UPDATED 3/31/2023: This post will teach you how to enable the Windows App SDK, which allows you to enable an early beta of the new File Explorer experience on Windows 11 build 25330.
Although the file manager’s general design remains the same, Microsoft is experimenting with a new version of File Explorer (via@PhantomOcean3) that is built using the XAML programming code and the new WinUI 3 from the Windows App SDK (WASDK). You will notice a few changes, such as a new Gallery section that brings a new view similar to the Photos app. Although the experience was observed in earlier releases, the functionality did not become somewhat usable until build 25309.
This is really an early look at a larger project, and from what we’ve gathered so far, the business intends to launch a significant UI update for File Explorer that includes a revamped Home and navigation pane. According to reports, the updated app would suggest information that is comparable to what is available in the Start menu. Other enhancements will be made to make the app more touch-friendly, and additional functionality will be added to further integrate it with Microsoft 365 products.
ViveTool is a third-party program developed by Rafael Rivera and Lucas on GitHub that you can use to activate the new functionality on your computer if you want to get your hands dirty.
This tutorial will show you how to activate this new Windows 11 function.
Enable new File Explorer app on Windows 11
Follow these steps to enable Windows 11’s new File Explorer with WASDK and XAML code:
The website of OpenGitHub.
To activate the updated version of File Explorer, download theViveTool-vx.x.x.zip file.
To open the zip folder in File Explorer, double-click on it.
To extract all, click the button.
To extract, click the button.
Make a copy of the folder’s path.
LaunchStart.
Look up “Command Prompt,” then right-click on the first result and choose “Run as administrator.”
To access the ViveTool folder, type the following command and hit Enter:
Remember to update the path to the folder with your path in the command.
To activate the new File Explorer experience, type the following command and hit Enter:
Restart the computer.
The Gallery area and new code base will be included in the updated version of File Explorer once you’ve finished the instructions, but the basic layout will remain the same.
You can undo the modifications using the same steps if you change your mind, but in step 10, be careful to execute the identical commands using the /disableswitch rather than /enable.