Moving Windows 11 files is about to get easier

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A new Windows 11 feature makes it easier to move files around your system.

File Explorer from Windows 11
(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

What you need to know

  • Windows 11 Build 26241 just rolled out to Insiders in the Canary Channel.
  • The update adds a feature that allows you to drag and drop files between breadcrumbs in File Explorer.
  • Breadcrumbs show the path to where you are in File Explorer, such as This PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files.

Microsoft shipped Windows 11 Build 26241 to Insiders in the Canary Channel recently. The update is rather minor, but it does include a lone new feature: starting with this build, you can drag and drop files between breadcrumbs in File Explorer. The new option makes it easier to move files around on your PC, especially if you use subfolders to organize your files.

Breadcrumbs appear in the Address Bar of File Explorer and show the path to your current location within the app, such as This PC > Windows (C:) > Program Files. Being able to drag files into a breadcrumb saves a few clicks, since you don't have to copy and paste a file or move the file another way.

While the release notes for Windows 11 Build 26241 list the ability to drag and drop files between breadcrumbs as new, the feature appears to have made its way to non-Insiders as well. The Windows 11 Preview update that shipped at the end of May also includes the functionality.

Below are all the changes, improvements, and fixes in the build, as outlined by Microsoft.

Windows 11 Build 26241: Changes and Improvements

General

  • This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall experience for Insiders running this build on their PCs.

File Explorer

  • Drag-and-drop files with your mouse functionality between breadcrumbs is now available in the File Explorer Address Bar – thanks again Insiders that shared feedback about this!

Windows 11 Build 26241: Fixes

Taskbar

  • Updated the app icon flashing in the taskbar to be a bit easier to see.

File Explorer

  • As some Insiders have noticed, we’ve updated File Explorer so it’s a little easier to see when you have files or folders selected, by adding a thin border to the selected area.
  • Fixed an underlying issue causing File Explorer to crash when going to Home for some Insiders in the last few flights.

Notifications

  • We’ve updated the underlying logic for when we suggest turning off notifications for certain apps, so that it requires a longer period of time without engaging with notifications from that app in order to trigger.

Microsoft also lists the known issues in the build. They're relatively short and include some Insiders getting stuck on a previous build and a bug in dark mode within Task Manager.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

5 Comments Comment from the forums
  • seanfrisbey
    I don't know why this is being praised as a new feature 🤔 it's actually a returning feature. Microsoft removed it from Windows 11, and people complained big time. This is just them giving us back what they took away.
    Reply
  • stinkie
    seanfrisbey said:
    I don't know why this is being praised as a new feature 🤔 it's actually a returning feature. Microsoft removed it from Windows 11, and people complained big time. This is just them giving us back what they took away.
    I think Windows Central is some kind of MS propaganda mouthpiece. Hyping up stuff that people don't want, talking about "new" things that have been standardized 20 years ago, reintroducing old stuff as new- this sounds just like the crap on the Apple sycophant sites.
    Reply
  • The Werewolf
    seanfrisbey said:
    I don't know why this is being praised as a new feature 🤔 it's actually a returning feature. Microsoft removed it from Windows 11, and people complained big time. This is just them giving us back what they took away.
    I was just going post exactly this.

    It's like "Has anyone here actually used a pre-Win 11 computer???"

    Call me when Microsoft announces the innovative and new feature of pinning the task bar to the sides... /s
    Reply
  • ArakiSatoshi
    Are they for freaking real? This feature got blatantly removed some time ago, ruining my organic workflow and muscle memory of file operations I developed sinceWindows 7. And now it comes back like some shiny new feature in the Insider builds.

    Keep losing, Microsoft, you deserve it.
    Reply
  • Arun Topez
    The fact they need Insiders to tell them not to remove basic functionality is just pathetic. Another reason why I've lost trust in Microsoft for software and as a company in general.

    They make stunning hardware, but their decisions with Windows are a joke now. When will they realize that if they want their Surface hardware to sell better, the software also needs to be near perfect. Not basic features randomly getting removed for no reason.
    Reply