The next version of Windows’ File Explorer will have tabs.
Windows 11 File Explorer is expected to get a browser-style tabbing mechanism in the near future, according to recent reports.
Tabs for File Explorer look to provide a nice performance benefit as well, despite Microsoft’s initial emphasis on the feature’s productivity benefits.
New File Explorer tabs take up very little additional memory requirements, according to Windows Latest, which received early access to the feature (in the region of 1MB). In contrast, opening a new File Explorer window consumes around ten times the amount of time and resources.
These memory savings are insignificant on the vast majority of current computers, especially professional workstations. Although every little bit helps, it’s important to remember that the performance benefit will increase in direct proportion to the user’s volume of file management.
Windows 11 File Explorer tabs
Back in April, Microsoft unveiled the new-look File Explorer during an event focused on Windows 11’s hybrid working technologies. Instead of having to create a new instance of File Explorer, users can simply open a new tab in the same window to access a new file location.
The goal is to minimize the number of windows active on the desktop and make it easier to work with several files in different locations at the same time.
For years, Windows users have been clamoring for a similar function, which was first released on macOS in 2013. Now that Windows 11 has been released, there is no longer any need to use third-party software to get the most out of it.
Windows 11 preview version 25136, which is only available to those with early access to the operating system, began rolling out the new tabbing mechanism earlier this month. Even while it’s not obvious when the new File Explorer will be released to the public, users may rest easy knowing that serious testing has begun.
A performance gain that scales with how many File Explorer tabs a user typically has open will be welcome news for users while they wait for this new system to be released.
Furthermore, this isn’t Microsoft’s only method for reducing RAM consumption in Windows 11. More than 273 PB of RAM have been saved by Microsoft Edge customers over the last month or so thanks to the company’s new sleeping tabs function (at circa 39.1MB per tab).
The two new features, when combined, could result in significant RAM reductions for customers, resulting in better multitasking and longer battery life. How can you dislike this?