New Windows 11 version 22H2 File explorer & Multitasking (Windowing) features (Hands-on)

Windows 11 version 22H2 is the upcoming annual Windows 11 update for 2022. This major update, which is in final stages of testing brings many desired changes and new features along with itself. In this hands-on article we are covering the new features and changes in the File explorer & Multitasking (Windowing) brought by the Windows 11 version 22H2. Read more about Windows 11 version 22H2 new features and release date by clicking here.

Windows 11 22H2 File explorer new features:

• File Explorer Tabs & Navigation Updates:
  • File Explorer now has tabs, one of the most-desired feature by Windows 11 users. Using File explorer to explorer multiple things in one Window is now a reality.
  • Microsoft has also introduced a refreshed layout of the left navigation pane which makes it easy to navigate. The updated organization provides easy access to pinned and frequently used folders (Quick access) and your OneDrive cloud profiles added to Windows. OneDrive cloud profiles reflect the user’s name associated with the account.
• File explorer “Home”, User Interface & other changes:
  • The default homepage of File Explorer is now called Home in version 22H2. Quick access section is now the pinned/frequent folders section and Pinned files are shown under Favorites section to align with Office and OneDrive.
  • Recent and pinned files displayed in Home are now searchable using the search box in File Explorer even if they are not local files. So you can find Office files also which are shared with you.
  • Known Windows folders which are available by default in the navigation pane are no longer displayed under this PC to keep that view focused for your PC’s drives. When you navigate to folders syncing to OneDrive such as Documents, Pictures, etc., the address bar displays the correct path to help bring clarity when your folders are on the cloud vs when they are local to you.
  • Shift + Right-clicking in File Explorer opens the “Show more options” context menu. This usability improvement will be welcomed by many.
  • 
  • Microsoft has added OneDrive integration into File Explorer. When browsing your OneDrive folders, you can now see your sync status and quota usage without having to leave File Explorer.

Windows 11 22H2 new Multitasking (Windowing) features:

• ALT + TAB, Task view, and Snap assist redesign:  Microsoft had redesigned ALT+TAB interface to shows apps as windowed unlike the full-screen window experience that we have on Windows 11. The focus rectangle of ALT+TAB, Task view, and Snap assist shows the default accent color. The same experience existed on Windows 10 earlier and it is a welcome step to bring it back to Windows 11.
• Microsoft Edge tabs in snap assist: Microsoft has recently improved multitasking in Windows 11 by including Microsoft Edge tabs in snap assist. When a windows is snapped, three most recent Edge tabs are now shown as suggestions. One can also control whether to include Microsoft Edge tabs in multitasking via settings.
• If you press WIN + Z to open snap layouts, all the layouts will now show associated numbers, so you can quickly use the number keys to select the desired layout.
• Microsoft has updated multi-finger touch gestures with new animations that follow your finger. You can use three fingers to swipe left and right and switch between recently used windows.
• New way to snap Windows: Microsoft has added a new way to snap windows into snap layouts by dragging a window to the top of the screen to reveal the snap layouts. Once snap layouts are revealed you can drop the window on top of a zone to snap it, and use snap assist to finish building your layout.