Microsoft is making it easier to browse through and share your photos on Windows 11
File Explorer gains a Gallery view in latest Insider build of Windows 11.
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What you need to know
Microsoft wrapped up the week by shipping a new build of Windows 11 to Insiders in the Dev Channel. The update brings systems to Build 23435 and includes a couple of notable new features or changes.
Within File Explorer, there is now a Gallery view that lays out images in a way similar to the Photos app on Windows 11. The content shown is also the same as what would appear in the All Photos view of the Photos app.
If you back up your photos to OneDrive automatically, pictures saved to your Camera Roll will appear at the top of the view. It’s also possible to customize which folders appear through the Collection dropdown.
Gallery can also be used to insert attachments.
Microsoft is also continuing its testing of badges in the Start menu that suggest people use a Microsoft account to sign in rather than a local account. Prompts like these caused debate when they were first tested. Apoll we heldabout a notification suggesting people back up files through OneDrive split participants down the middle.
Microsoft noted that it is trying out different types of badges and seeking feedback.
Here are all of the changes and improvements as noted in Microsoft’sblog postabout the build.
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Build 23435: What’s new
Gallery in File Explorer
We are introducing Gallery, a new feature in File Explorer designed to make it easy to access your photo collection. The set of content shown in Gallery is the same as what you’ll see in the All Photos view in the Photos app.
Gallery is optimized for accessing your most recently taken photos. If you have OneDrive Camera Roll Backup set up on your phone, photos you take will show up automatically at the top of the view. You can choose which folders are shown in Gallery through the Collection dropdown. You can also add subfolders of existing sources to filter to a subset of your content, such as desktop backgrounds and SD card/camera imports.
Gallery also works from thefile picking dialog, bringing that same ease of use to situations such as inserting attachments, building a PowerPoint deck, or crafting social media posts.
Build 23435: Changes and improvements
General
File Explorer
Narrator
Settings
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_.
