File Explorer Is Getting New Quick Access Features on Windows 11

File Explorer hasn’t evolved too much in the last Windows versions, but Microsoft is still focusing on small polishing that help make the experience feel a little bit modern.

And while people are still waiting for tab support, File Explorer is getting some goodies for Quick Access, an essential feature that most people rely on when working with their files.

Beginning with Windows 11 preview build 22557, Quick Access also supports files, not just folders, as it was the case in the previous Windows versions.

In other words, if you need to pin a specific file to Quick Access, you can easily do it with just a right-click, in the same way you did when trying to pin a folder.

“We are rolling out an update to File Explorer’s Quick Access view. First, “Pin to Quick Access” support has been extended from only supporting Folders to now also supporting Files. Pinned files are shown in a new section above Recent files in Quick Access,” Microsoft explains.

Office.com pinned files coming to File Explorer

Furthermore, Microsoft is bringing Office.com pinned files to Quick Access for a more straightforward approach when a Microsoft account is being used.

“Next, for users who log into Windows with (or attach as a secondary account) a Microsoft Account or Work/Education account, Pinned and Recent files from Office.com will also be shown in Quick Access. Changes that pin or unpin files hosted in OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams will sync and be reflected in Office.com and Office apps. File activity updates from collaborators such as edits, and comments are shown in Tiles view and can also be shown in Details view,” it says.

Keep in mind, however, that the improved Quick Access is currently available only for insiders in the Dev channel. Microsoft hasn’t provided any ETA as to when this feature could go live for production devices, but it will be most likely be part of an upcoming update for the OS.