Sun Valley 2 update aka version 22H2 update is the annual major update for Windows 11 in 2022. The update is supposed to bring many new features and UI changes with itself. Windows 11 File explorer will also get new features and UI changes with Sun Valley 2 update.
The latest insider Build 22557 has several new features, changes and improvements for File explorer. File explorer’s “pin to quick access” view now supports files too. Pinned files section appears above Recent files and can show Pinned and Recent files from Office.com.
Microsoft has added OneDrive integration into File Explorer. When browsing your OneDrive folders, you can now see your sync status and quota usage in File Explorer. File Explorer will now show previews of items within folders. The build also has other UI changes and performance improvements for File explorer. Read all the details below.
Improving Quick Access in File Explorer
We are rolling out an update to File Explorer’s Quick Access view. First, “Pin to Quick Access” support has been extended from only supporting Folders to now also supporting Files. Pinned files are shown in a new section above Recent files in Quick Access.
Quick Access in File Explorer now supports pinning files and will show files hosted in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams.
Next, for users who log into Windows with (or attach as a secondary account) a Microsoft Account or Work/Education account, Pinned and Recent files from Office.com will also be shown in Quick Access. Changes that pin or unpin files hosted in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams will sync and be reflected in Office.com and Office apps. File activity updates from collaborators such as edits, and comments are shown in Tiles view and can also be shown in Details view.
FEEDBACK: Please file feedback in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Files, Folders, and Online Storage > File Explorer.
See your OneDrive storage in File Explorer
Backing up your files and managing your cloud storage is important for the safety of your stuff. To help you have control over storage consumption and ensure your files are syncing, we’ve 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.
OneDrive storage as shown in File Explorer when navigating to OneDrive folders.
ALT-TEXT: OneDrive storage as shown in File Explorer when navigating to OneDrive folders.
File Explorer will now show previews of items within folders.
Folders now show previews of the contents within them in File Explorer.
When sharing a local file in File Explorer to Outlook – you can now compose an email message directly within the share window without having to go into Outlook directly. You will need Outlook Desktop Integration installed via the Store and this capability is not available for files stored in OneDrive folders as OneDrive has its own share experience. Also, the share window will now suggest contacts from Microsoft 365 to share the file to via Outlook.
Share a local file via Outlook in File Explorer a compose an email without leaving the share window.
Updated the Storage Usage button in the Properties dialog for a disk to now be called Details and a little wider, to accommodate for languages where the button text was getting truncated.
Improved the performance of deleting files in Recycle Bin.
Fixed the Blu-ray icon so it aligns with the other drive and volume icons.
The Windows 11 update destined to come out this year will be the version 22H2. As per a new report this update will bring much-desired and currently missing Taskbar features back. It may also bring system-wide Dark mode and many other new features and UI changes.
The Windows 11 version 22H2 update is termed Sun Valley 2 update internally. It may follow the Windows 11 21H2 release date schedule. Read more about Windows 11 version 22H2 new features and release date by clicking here.
