Microsoft recently started testing an updated version of File Explorer in Windows 11 22H2. The new Windows File Explorer had remove many functions of the application that we know. The plan is to improve File Explorer's interface and remove unused Windows 11 features to reduce clutter and improve performance.
The File Explorer update is in line with Microsoft's ongoing efforts to modernize it, but Windows users who saw the changes began to react with criticism of the company.
So Microsoft took back its decision and won't remove the legacy features in the next Windows 11 update or any future version, at least for now. According to the original release notes, Microsoft planned to remove a number of old settings.
For example, the company planned to remove the options "Always show icons, never thumbnails", "Show file icon in thumbnails", "Show file type information in folder tips" and "Hide protected operating system files". The option to disable “Hide protected operating system files” allows users to view some hidden files or folders if they want to troubleshoot.
Microsoft had said that it would also remove “Show drive letters”, “Show tooltip for folder and desktop items”, “Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color” and “Use sharing wizard”.
These settings would still be accessible through registry keys, but would no longer appear in Folder Options.
Many have argued that these settings, although considered "legacies" from older versions of Windows, are critical to productivity. Some pointed out the confusion and inefficiency of forcing users to access these settings through registry keys. There were others who said the changes betrayed a lack of understanding of how people use the operating system.
The “Always show icons, never thumbnails” option is very useful as it allows faster navigation by reducing load times, as the system does not need to generate image previews. With this option hidden, a photographer or graphic designer could experience unnecessary delays when browsing their files.
Microsoft officials have confirmed that they are retiring these changes, which will not be implemented in the next update.
Microsoft said: "We are rolling back the File Explorer changes" and that the company will explore other ways to optimize the File Explorer interface without sacrificing functionality.
