Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25179 has been released, a preview of Windows 11 23H2 or the next Windows 11 in the new release cycle, and is rolling out File Explorer tabs for the first time to all operating experts. System Dev Channel, which is primarily aimed at developers and experienced Microsoft users.
File Explorer tabs come with Windows 11 22H2
After only select Windows 11 Insiders were able to enjoy tabs in Microsoft File Explorer with build 25136, the manufacturer is now rolling out the feature with build 25179 to all participants in the more experimental development channel. However, the feature is also being ported for Windows 11 22H2 (“Sun Valley 2”), which has already been released in preview.
Dev Channel and Windows 11 22H2 Preview are available through the following channels:
- windows update
- Windows Update for Business
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
- Launch of the preview channel in the Insider program
- Microsoft Azure Marketplace
The preview, which is based on Windows 11 Build 22621 with RTM status, almost corresponds to the final release of Windows 11 22H2 and will only receive minor adjustments until the final release. The Windows 11 22H2 release will begin with a preview release later this month and is expected to run through September.
- Official Designation: Fall 2022 Update
- Code name during development: Sun Valley 2
- Most important news:
- Pre-launch: from August 2022
- Release: from mid-September 2022
New design for File Explorer
In addition to tabs, the updated File Explorer features a new layout in the left navigation pane intended to provide faster access to frequently used and pinned folders and various OneDrive profiles added to Windows 11. OneDrive drives now too display the username associated with the profiles.
In addition to the expanded start menu with customizable folders and a configurable recommendations area, the feature update will overhaul your operating system settings and give folders a preview image again. There are also some new themes.
Taskbar optimized for tablets and 2-in-1 systems
The new taskbar, or new taskbar state, as Microsoft calls the feature, should automatically activate whenever the operating system is running on a tablet or the keyboard is removed from a 2-in-1 device. However, according to Microsoft, this optimized taskbar cannot be enabled or forced on a desktop or laptop PC.
Upgrading to Windows 11 21H2 officially requires the following framework conditions, some of which can (still) be avoided with different solutions.
- Windows 10 2004 (“20H1”) or later
- active TPM 2.0 or fTPM 2.0
- Secure Boot Enabled in UEFI
- a compatible processor
However, Microsoft has already announced multiple times that it will check the requirements more closely when it moves to the next higher feature update.
- Windows 11 22H2: Microsoft account should also be mandatory for professional users
Insiders are already on their way to Windows 11 23H2
Meanwhile, the Windows 11 experts at Dev Channel are already on their way to the Fall 2023 Update, also known as Windows 11 23H2 (“Sun Valley 3”), for which Microsoft plans more innovations next year.
- Windows 11 23H2: New folders on the desktop group apps by theme
- Windows 11 23H2: Interactive content spreads across the desktop
Microsoft is considering a new release cycle
However, it’s also possible that Windows 11 only receives a major feature update every three years, and in the meantime is packed with new features via feature drops, so-called “Moments.”
More information about the switch to the official Windows 11 22H2 preview is provided in a detailed article on the Microsoft Tech Community.
Microsoft has more details on the current Windows 11 Insider Preview 25179 at Windows Insider Blog summarized.
As always, the Microsoft Flight Center.
Introvert. Beer guru. Communicator. Travel fanatic. Web advocate. Certified alcohol geek. Tv buff. Subtly charming internet aficionado.
