Windows Explorer 11 has received interface updates – and you’ll barely notice them
By ForGeeks Microsoft continues to spruce up the Windows 11 interface, but it’s doing so in such a subtle way that most users won’t even notice. This time, the cosmetic improvements include the standard Explorer, one of the most criticized components of the operating system.
Windows Explorer has received many changes over the years, but it’s still far from perfect: it lacks flexibility, customizability, and modern usability. Despite support for a dark theme, many people consider its implementation to be mediocre. But now Microsoft has decided to add some color and simplify the visual elements, perhaps the first step toward deeper improvements.
The accent color is finally here in Explorer
According to Windows Latest, Microsoft has begun testing a new feature that allows Windows Explorer 11 to use a user-selected accent color. Now when you select files and folders, the frame color will match the system theme, rather than remaining gray or white as it used to.
According to Microsoft’s documentation, the accent color is meant to “highlight important interface elements.” And while this update looks minor, it makes the user experience more visually cohesive. The desired color can be enabled in Settings > Personalization > Colors. Two options are available to the user: automatic color selection based on the wallpaper or manual selection. The update will be especially noticeable when using bright colors such as red, yellow, and others.
New shades in loading indicators
In addition to the color frame, Microsoft has also updated the progress bars in Explorer. For example, the drive memory usage bar is now colored a darker shade of blue. When copying files, the progress bar is visually flatter, less glossy, and a more subdued shade of green.
While these visual edits don’t address old performance issues or Explorer’s limited functionality, they are evidence that Microsoft is gradually polishing the user experience. Perhaps real technical improvements will follow the aesthetics.
