Windows 11 makes tabs on File Explorer more useful with build 22635.4580 (beta)

• Windows 11 build 22635.4580 (KB5046733) arrives in the Beta Channel with changes for File Explorer.
• The update includes new behavior for opening external folders in new tabs, restoring open tabs on restart, and the option to turn off the backup reminder.

Microsoft is now rolling out Windows 11 build 22635.4580 as the update KB5046733 for devices enrolled in the Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program. Although this is a minor update with a few fixes and changes to the operating system, it includes an updated version of File Explorer with new features. In addition, this release ships with various hidden improvements.

According to the official notes, build 22635.4580 introduces a newer version of File Explorer that makes significant changes to the tab system and officially announces the option to disable the backup reminder when accessing OneDrive files.

File Explorer’s new features

Starting on Windows 11 build 22635.4580, File Explorer will open folders from outside the app in a new tab by default. For example, if the file manager is open, and from the “Run” command, you try to open the shared location, then the folder will now open in a new tab rather than in a new window.

If you want to restore the legacy experience, you can disable opening external folders in a new tab by going to File Explorer > Folder Options > General, clearing the “Open desktop folders and external folders links in new tab” option, and then clicking the “Apply” and “OK” buttons.

Although this is a new feature for the file manager, this option has already been discovered in previous previews of the operating system.

This update also updates the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option, and it’ll now restore all the previously open tabs.

If you want to enable this option, open File Explorer > Folder Options > View,  and check the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option, then click the “Apply” and “OK” buttons.

Also, if you turn on the “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” option on Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, the “Restore previous folder windows at logon” option will enable automatically.

Finally, in File Explorer, when browsing files through the OneDrive folder, you can now click the “Start backup” reminder to find the option to turn it off.

In addition, this preview includes fixes for Bluetooth LE Audio, Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printer, Motherboard replacement, and Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA).

Installation process

To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your device in the Beta Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.

It’s important to note that Microsoft has also released Windows 11 build 26120.2510 in the Dev Channel, finally bringing Recall and Click to Do to AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs. Also, build 27758 was recently made available in the Canary Channel with some improvements for the File Explorer and Cameras.