We reported about Microsoft working on major File explorer design revamp for Windows 11 version 23H2. The File explorer redesign showing inclusion of a new “Gallery” was leaked earlier too, but now it can be enabled using Vivetool. So, it seems Microsoft may be planning to bring it for user testing soon. The new bits about the File explorer also reveal new animations and “recommended content” in the home page.
The Microsoft enthusiast account behind most of Windows 11 File explorer redesign leaks has now posted about its availability in Dev Build 231419. It seems that the File explorer home page with gallery options can be enabled in the preview build. Though it is still early in development and may be rough around the edges.
Redesigned File Explorer home page is hidden and works in Dev 23419! Nice to see the redesign getting closer to being functional, still pretty early at the moment. https://t.co/kgg0C9kqsq pic.twitter.com/mkEoRuGGcx
— PhantomOcean3💙💛 (@PhantomOfEarth) March 22, 2023
There are new animations too in the redesigned Windows 11 File explorer. One can notice these new animations in the hands-on video below.
Yes, this can be enabled. IDs soon! For now here's a video showing off some neat animations, seems like the legendary (/s) purple highlight for items has been replaced pic.twitter.com/51k22tOt1a
— PhantomOcean3💙💛 (@PhantomOfEarth) March 22, 2023
Similarly, recommended content can be shown in the Windows 11 File explorer home page now. Check the featured image above to see how it looks like. Finally, instructions to enable the new File explorer in Dev Build are here, though it is recommended to use a VM or less-used device for this. Because this early experience may be heavily buggy.
Please only enable this on a VM or a device you don't mind experiencing bugs on!
First, enable these features – these are WASDK File Explorer, MTestUx15 and XAMLFolderViewSupport
vivetool /enable /id:40729001
vivetool /enable /id:42105254
vivetool /enable /id:42295138— PhantomOcean3💙💛 (@PhantomOfEarth) March 22, 2023
The redesign File explorer will be based on WinAppSDK and will include a XAML-based Gallery feature. The good news is that the Gallery comes with a timeline scrollbar and a configurable photo sources option. You can read our previous article that has a video demo of Windows 11 23H2 File explorer redesign.
