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Big companies like Microsoft sometimes make decisions their customers don’t like, and they usually don’t backtrack because of a few upset people on the internet. But every now and then, the outrage works. Microsoft announced several days ago that it was planning to remove some features from the Windows File Explorer, but online animosity has convinced the company to roll back the change in its latest Windows 11 build.
The internet became collectively enraged earlier this week when Microsoft announced Windows 11 Build 23481 in the dev channel. This version sought to simplify the File Explorer by removing what Microsoft calls “a handful of old settings.” Those “old settings” included seemingly vital elements like showing drive letters, popup folder descriptions, and hiding protected OS files.
It does seem as though Microsoft expected some sort of backlash. When it announced the changes, it also noted that power users could modify the registry to reactivate these file options. Although, that wasn’t enough for most testers, who gave Microsoft an earful about the removal. Now, Microsoft has backtracked with Windows 11 Build 23486. All nine of the File Explorer features have been restored—even the ones that didn’t send long-time Windows users into an apoplectic fit.
“As is normal for the Dev Channel, we will often try things out and get feedback and adjust based on the feedback we receive,” Microsoft said in the blog post announcing its latest build. The fact that it experienced the backlash at the dev stage probably made it easier for Microsoft to change course. If the outrage hadn’t bubbled over until the changes rolled out widely, it’s unlikely Microsoft would have caved.
Credit: Microsoft
Build 23486 isn’t just about undoing a mistake—Microsoft is also adding several enhancements to its passwordless initiative. The new build includes support for passkeys in Windows Hello, allowing you to log into apps and websites with your face, fingerprint, or a PIN. There are some inconsistencies with Chromium-based browsers like Chrome and Microsoft’s own Edge. The latest Canary builds of Chrome have a UI that explains passkeys and Windows Hello better. Those features will eventually make it to Edge in time for the full rollout of Passkeys.
Microsoft also recently rebooted the Dev Channel, moving Insiders on dev to the new Canary Channel. Previous insiders who want to move to the new Dev builds will have to do a clean install. New Insiders looking to try long-lead features in Windows 11 (and yell at Microsoft when they screw up like this) should join dev to start.
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