Without explanation, Microsoft has removed two new features from the Windows 11 File Explorer just one week after their release. These features were introduced through updates starting October 28, before being halted on November 5.
Unfortunately, Microsoft remains quite vague regarding the reasons behind this sudden reversal as the File Explorer has undergone a redesign. It’s very likely that bugs and other issues led to this somewhat hasty decision.
Microsoft removes two new features from the Windows 11 File Explorer
The two affected features are Storage Provider, an API, and Suggested Files. The former allows cloud files to appear directly in the File Explorer, while the latter adds a section at the top of the homepage that presents files Windows 11 thinks may be of interest based on context, preferences, and usage habits.
In short, this is bad news for Windows 11 users as the File Explorer is supposed to be enhanced with AI, and widgets are also receiving a revamp. Notably, development on Suggested Files has been ongoing at Microsoft for at least two years. This feature has already been available for several months on professional Windows 11 PCs within businesses.
For the consumer version, this feature was intended to be disabled by default and could be activated directly from the settings. The first indications of this functionality date back to 2023, with enterprise testing occurring for quite some time. The Insider program even began its testing earlier in 2024.
A functionality that was in preparation for two years
Ultimately, Microsoft had ample time to identify and fix any potential bugs before the final release. However, something seems to have slipped through Microsoft’s validation process, which is even being outpaced by Linux on its own ROG Xbox Ally console.
Microsoft communicates very vaguely about this. The Redmond company states that the two features removed from the File Explorer will return “in the future” without providing a specific timeline. It’s unclear what exactly triggered their temporary suspension. Is it a serious problem? Theories abound on Microsoft’s official forums.
To remind, the October update notably adds a new Start menu; however, this too is affected by bugs. Overall, Microsoft is doing its utmost to make its latest operating system attractive amidst the decline of Windows 10, which is significantly benefiting macOS.
