You won’t lose these Windows 11 File Explorer features after all
You don’t have to say good-bye to legacy File Explorer features after all.
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What you need to know
Microsoft just released Windows 11 Build 23486 to Insiders in the Dev Channel. The update includes several improvements to the passwordless experience on Windows 11, such as being able to log in to websites with passkeys through Windows Hello.
But perhaps more important than what Microsoft added in the build is what the update’s change log specifies is no longer being taken away. Microsoft will no longer remove a group of legacy File Explorer features that it previously said were on the way out.
“Thank you to all the Windows Insiders who gave us feedback on the Folder Options changes in File Explorer that removed a handful of old settings in Build 23481. We’ve rolled back this change. As is normal for the Dev Channel, we will often try things out and get feedback and adjust based on the feedback we receive,” said Microsoft.
As noted by the company, the Dev Channel is a place to experiment with new ideas and feature sets. WhenMicrosoft announced its plans to remove select legacy File Explorer features, I noted that the company could change its mind.
Microsoft was going to remove the following features, but will now leave them in:
Moving back to what’s new; here’s Microsoft’s summary of the improvements to passkeys. TheWindows Blog postgoes into depth on how to set up these features:
Enroll and use passkey to sign into apps and websites:We are improving the passkey experience for Windows users. They can now go to any app or website that supports passkeys to create and sign in using passkeys with the Windows Hello native experience. Once a passkey is created, users can use Windows Hello (face, fingerprint, PIN) to sign in. In addition, users can use their phone to complete the application logon process.
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Manage passkeys saved to your Windows device:We are giving users a fundamental control over how they can manage the passkeys saved to their Windows device. They can now view and delete passkeys saved for their favorite apps/websites from Windows settings.
Windows 11 Build 23486: Changes and Improvements
File Explorer
Dynamic Lighting
Emoji
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_.
