Dev Channel Insiders Can Now Test Redesigned File Explorer Home

Microsoft has just released the Windows 11 preview build 23475 for Dev Channel Insiders. This new build introduces a redesigned File Explorer Home page powered by Microsoft’s WinUI library, but it’s only available for select testers on the Dev channel at this time.

Insiders who are signed in with an Azure AD account will see a carousel at the top with recommended files, with support for file thumbnails coming soon. Microsoft has also redesigned the Favorites and Recent sections on the home page for all users.

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With this redesigned File Explorer, Microsoft is also testing a modernized address bar and search box. “The new address bar intelligently recognizes local vs. cloud folders with built-in status. For OneDrive users, you’ll notice the address bar now contains your OneDrive sync status and quota flyout,” the Windows Insider team explained today

The other new feature in today’s build 23475 is a new Dynamic Lighting page in Settings > Personalization. Here, users with dynamic lighting devices will get access to native controls for these devices, which could possibly make apps from third-party manufacturers redundant. Microsoft is currently working on Acer, ASUS, HP, HyperX, Logitech, Razer, and Twinkly to make their devices compatible with this new Dynamic Lighting panel.

On the release notes, Microsoft provided a list of mice and keyboards from Razer that are already compatible with this Dynamic lighting settings page. However, Microsoft noted that there are some bugs with wireless device connections, so it’s recommending Insiders use a wired connection for testing purposes.

Today’s build also introduces a couple of new emoji including more hearts, animals, and one new smiley face. The company also fixed an issue causing the taskbar to not show the correct apps when using multiple desktops.

If you’re on the Canary channel, the build 25387 is available to download for y today, but there are no release notes. Yesterday, Microsoft previously released the cumulative update build 25381.1200 to test its servicing pipeline.

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