On February 14th, Microsoft unveiled the latest update for Windows 11, specifically the 24H2 Build 26120.3281 (KB5052086), to both the Dev and Beta Channels. This release continues the trend of introducing new features, enhancements, and bug fixes, while also making notable adjustments to the user experience.
One significant change involves the removal of organization-related content from the Recent, Recommended feed, and Favorites sections. In a recent support document, Microsoft confirmed that it is disabling account-based content in the File Explorer for users with Entra IDs located in the European Economic Area (EEA). Consequently, these users will no longer see account-based content in the Recent, Favorites, Details Pane, and Recommended sections.
“We are disabling account-based content in File Explorer under Recent, Favorites, Details Pane, and Recommended for Entra IDs in the European Economic Area (EEA),” the company stated. This decision aligns with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a European privacy law that has been in effect since 2018. The GDPR aims to protect the personal data of EU citizens and provides guidelines for the secure collection, storage, and usage of such data.
As illustrated in accompanying screenshots, these sections of File Explorer previously relied on user-generated data to curate their content. The Recent tab showcased files that were recently accessed, while the Recommended section offered suggestions based on user interactions. However, due to conflicts with GDPR’s personal data protection guidelines, modifications were necessary. The complete removal of “entra-account” suggestions in File Explorer was somewhat unexpected.
Back to basics
The user interface of File Explorer is set to become more streamlined and straightforward, as it will no longer feature these sections. This decluttering is anticipated to enhance the overall user experience in the long run.
Now, File Explorer will primarily display local content, resulting in a less cluttered view. Users will no longer see edits made by colleagues or shared organizational content in the Recommended or Recent sections. This shift may also lead to a marginal increase in performance, as the system will utilize fewer resources without the need to track and display personal data.
Additionally, Windows Latest has noted that these changes in File Explorer were also part of the earlier Windows 11 23H2 Build 22631.4969. It is important to highlight that these modifications are exclusive to Entra-ID accounts; users with Microsoft accounts will still have access to OneDrive-synced content in File Explorer. While this may evolve in the future, users in the US can expect to continue experiencing a more cluttered File Explorer.
Alongside the decluttered File Explorer, Microsoft is gradually rolling out a feature called ‘Resume,’ reminiscent of Apple’s Handoff. Although not entirely new, as it has been in testing for several months, this feature initially operates on a OneDrive basis, with plans to expand compatibility to third-party services like WhatsApp and Spotify.
What are your thoughts on these recent changes in Windows 11? We invite you to share your insights in the comments below.
Windows 11 File Explorer UI drops cluttered content in EU due to privacy reasons
On February 14th, Microsoft unveiled the latest update for Windows 11, specifically the 24H2 Build 26120.3281 (KB5052086), to both the Dev and Beta Channels. This release continues the trend of introducing new features, enhancements, and bug fixes, while also making notable adjustments to the user experience.
One significant change involves the removal of organization-related content from the Recent, Recommended feed, and Favorites sections. In a recent support document, Microsoft confirmed that it is disabling account-based content in the File Explorer for users with Entra IDs located in the European Economic Area (EEA). Consequently, these users will no longer see account-based content in the Recent, Favorites, Details Pane, and Recommended sections.
“We are disabling account-based content in File Explorer under Recent, Favorites, Details Pane, and Recommended for Entra IDs in the European Economic Area (EEA),” the company stated. This decision aligns with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a European privacy law that has been in effect since 2018. The GDPR aims to protect the personal data of EU citizens and provides guidelines for the secure collection, storage, and usage of such data.
As illustrated in accompanying screenshots, these sections of File Explorer previously relied on user-generated data to curate their content. The Recent tab showcased files that were recently accessed, while the Recommended section offered suggestions based on user interactions. However, due to conflicts with GDPR’s personal data protection guidelines, modifications were necessary. The complete removal of “entra-account” suggestions in File Explorer was somewhat unexpected.
Back to basics
The user interface of File Explorer is set to become more streamlined and straightforward, as it will no longer feature these sections. This decluttering is anticipated to enhance the overall user experience in the long run.
Now, File Explorer will primarily display local content, resulting in a less cluttered view. Users will no longer see edits made by colleagues or shared organizational content in the Recommended or Recent sections. This shift may also lead to a marginal increase in performance, as the system will utilize fewer resources without the need to track and display personal data.
Additionally, Windows Latest has noted that these changes in File Explorer were also part of the earlier Windows 11 23H2 Build 22631.4969. It is important to highlight that these modifications are exclusive to Entra-ID accounts; users with Microsoft accounts will still have access to OneDrive-synced content in File Explorer. While this may evolve in the future, users in the US can expect to continue experiencing a more cluttered File Explorer.
Alongside the decluttered File Explorer, Microsoft is gradually rolling out a feature called ‘Resume,’ reminiscent of Apple’s Handoff. Although not entirely new, as it has been in testing for several months, this feature initially operates on a OneDrive basis, with plans to expand compatibility to third-party services like WhatsApp and Spotify.
What are your thoughts on these recent changes in Windows 11? We invite you to share your insights in the comments below.