Windows 11 Insider Build 25136 hands-on video: Tabbed File Explorer, dynamic widgets content, and more
Tabs finally arrive in File Explorer for more Insiders in the latest build of Windows 11.
What you need to know
- Microsoft just released Windows 11 Build 25136 to Insiders in the Dev Channel.
- The build includes tabs in File Explorer, dynamic widgets content on the taskbar, and an improved navigation experience within File Explorer.
- Some of the features are in a controlled rollout, so they won't be available to all Dev Channel Insiders.
Windows 11 Build 25136 recently shipped to Insiders in the Dev Channel. The build includes several new features, including tabs within File Explorer, an improved system for navigating files, and dynamic widgets content on the taskbar. It also includes a long list of fixes and general improvements over the previous Insider build of Windows 11.
Here are the highlights from the build, as listed by Microsoft:
- "We have begun rolling out File Explorer tabs and navigation updates to Windows Insiders. Details below. We have also begun rolling out an update for Widgets that will show dynamic content on the taskbar.
- As always, this build includes a good set of fixes that improve the overall experience for Windows Insiders on the latest preview builds.
- We added one new known issue and still have a set of others – be sure to read the known issues below.
- We have Notepad and Media Player updates rolling out to Windows Insiders – see this blog post for details."
You can read the complete list of changes, fixes, and improvements in Microsoft's blog post about the build.
Tabs have been a highly requested feature for File Explorer for several years. The title bar of File Explorer now shows tabs for navigation, much like Microsoft Edge and several other popular applications.
In the latest build, Windows 11 shows dynamic content from widgets in the taskbar. For example, stock updates and weather information will show in the corner of your screen. You can then click on the content to see more information through respective widgets.
Note that some of the features in this build, such as tabs in File Explorer and dynamic widget content, are part of controlled rollouts. That means that even if you're a Dev Channel Insider, you may not have access to the features at this time.
Our senior editor Zac Bowden runs through all of the new features in his most recent hands-on video.
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Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.
Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.
- Zac BowdenSenior Editor
