Microsoft is bringing back this excellent File Explorer feature I bet you didn’t know existed or had been removed
You’ll soon be able to drag and drop items into the File Explorer address bar.
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What you need to know
Microsoft is bringing back a File Explorer feature that many have missed but there’s a chance you haven’t used before. In the latest Beta Channel Insider Build of Windows 11, you can drag and drop an item from File Explorer into the address bar. The functionality requires some tinkering using ViVetool, but things look promising for the feature making a return.
The change was spotted by PhantomOcean3 on X (formerly Twitter), who alsoshared a video of the feature in action.
You may be surprised to hear that the feature needs to make a return, since dragging and dropping items into the File Explorer address bar was available for a long time in Windows 11. But Microsoft removed the feature when it shipped anew File Explorer with Windows 11 version 23H2.
The list ofwhat’s new with File Explorer on Windows 11 version 23H2is impressive, including a new header, new details pane, a redesigned Home page, and improvements to sharing. The new File Explorer does, however, lack the ability to drag and drop items into its address bar. It seems that may not be the case with future versions of Windows.
Windows 11 24H2will first ship on ARM PCs before rolling out to everyone later this year. Perhaps we’ll see that update bring back dragging and dropping in File Explorer to the address bar. If not, we could see the feature in a future version of Windows.
The latest Beta Channel build (22635.3420) adds file drag and drop to the modern File Explorer address bar! This functionality is gradually rolling out, and can be enabled by running:vivetool /enable /id:47664723 pic.twitter.com/34KxfrQxDhMarch 29, 2024
Restoring removed features
This isn’t the first time that Microsoft took away functionality and then brought it back. The company infamously took away the ability to drag and drop content into the Taskbar when it shipped Windows 11. That feature has since been added back into the operating system, but us users aren’t always so lucky. For example, you still can’t move the Taskbar on Windows 11 to the side or top of your screen.
I suppose saying Microsoft “removes” these features isn’t entirely accurate. In many cases, Microsoft builds a new experience from the ground up, and it doesn’t always add in all the functionality the predecessor had. In effect, end users lose a feature, but it’s not like someone at Microsoft is laughing maniacally over taking features away. Microsoft prioritizes certain features based on telemetry data, user feedback, and its overarching vision for Windows. Sometimes the company has to work on the most important features right away and add things in later.
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We’ve seen similar situations with the Taskbar, Start menu, and other parts of Windows 11. Of course, there are times when Microsoft removes features, such as theWindows Subsystem for Android, but those are usually taken out for different reasons.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
