Topic
File Explorer is the default file management system in Windows 11. Hitechreports covers updates to its interface, functionality, and integration with Microsoft services.
Files, an open-source file manager for Windows 11, is gaining traction as a full replacement for the built-in File Explorer — not because Microsoft’s tool is broken, but because Files delivers features Microsoft hasn’t shipped yet.
Windows 11 File Explorer handles basic ZIP and RAR extraction but lacks AES-256 encryption with filename protection, archive integrity testing before extraction, and self-extracting executable archives — all available in free, lightweight 7-Zip.
Windows 11 26H2 and 25H2 now ship KB5132061 — the November 2026 Patch Tuesday update — with File Explorer right-click menu customization, Cloud Rebuild, and Xbox mode refinements. It’s live globally as of November 10, 2026.
The File Explorer right-click menu in Windows 11 is now customizable — part of the November 2026 Patch Tuesday update (KB5132061). It rolls out gradually to Windows 11 26H2 and 25H2. Also included: Cloud rebuild recovery and a fix for an actively exploited Outlook spoofing vulnerability.
Microsoft has started rolling out Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.9757 to Beta Channel testers, bringing a redesigned, customizable File Explorer context menu and a Settings app speed fix, based on version 25H2.
Microsoft is pulling eight Copilot-powered actions from the File Explorer context menu for OneDrive files, folding them into a single Ask Copilot entry as it trims back AI clutter in Windows 11.
Microsoft is retiring eight Copilot shortcuts from the Windows 11 File Explorer right-click menu for OneDrive files, folding them into a single Ask Copilot option starting mid-November 2026.