Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 11 operating system is set to receive an innovative enhancement to its Start menu, potentially offering users a significant boost in productivity. Recent preview builds of Windows 11, available in the Dev channel, have unveiled an intriguing new functionality: file previews for the Recommended section of the Start menu, located in the bottom panel.
The discovery was brought to attention by Twitter user PhantomOfEarth, who highlighted the addition’s potential usefulness in improving user experience. Upon hovering over any recommended file, Windows 11 will trigger a preview panel displaying relevant details. For instance, hovering over an image file will generate a small thumbnail of the photo, providing users with a glimpse of its contents before fully opening it in an image editor. This feature aims to save time and prevent frustration that might arise from opening the wrong file.
Furthermore, the file preview will also showcase additional details, such as the file’s location on the user’s drive and its last modification date. Microsoft is expected to include even more information in the future to enhance the functionality.
While this addition is currently in the testing phase and not officially announced by Microsoft, reports from Windows Latest confirm its presence in the Dev channel builds of Windows 11. The file previews are presently hidden within the operating system, and it appears that leakers used a Windows configuration tool to access them. As with any feature in the testing phase, there is no guarantee that it will make it to the final release version of Windows 11. However, given the practicality and potential benefits, many speculate that Microsoft will likely incorporate this feature into the operating system’s official release.
In addition to the file previews, another notable change in the Start menu’s recent testing involves Microsoft labeling its default Windows 11 apps clearly. This labeling will enable users to easily identify the applications that come preinstalled with the OS, such as Calculator and the Settings app. Such a user-friendly feature is expected to be included in the final release of Windows 11, further enhancing the Start menu’s capabilities.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to refine and improve Windows 11’s Start menu demonstrate their commitment to delivering a user-centric experience. While the file preview feature is still in its early stages, the potential time-saving benefits and improved user interactions make it a highly anticipated addition. As the release of Windows 11 draws near, users can look forward to exploring these enhancements that are designed to streamline their computing tasks.
