Microsoft Tests New 'Drag Tray' File Sharing Feature in Windows 11

Microsoft Experiments with a New 'Drag Tray' File Sharing Feature in Windows 11

Microsoft is reportedly testing a new file-sharing feature for Windows 11, dubbed 'Drag Tray,' which aims to simplify the process of sharing files by allowing users to drag and drop them into a dedicated sharing menu. This feature was discovered in a recent Windows 11 Insider preview build (Build 22635.4805) by X user phantomofearth and reported by Tom's Hardware.

The 'Drag Tray' Feature

The 'Drag Tray' functionality appears when a user picks up a file and drags it towards the top of the screen. A tray then drops down, presenting various sharing options. This design is reminiscent of the sharing menus found on smartphone operating systems, featuring large, easily identifiable icons.

Accessibility and User Interface

This new feature is seen as a move towards making Windows 11 more user-friendly, especially for those accustomed to mobile-style interfaces. The design is intended to be intuitive and accessible. In a related accessibility update, the Windows Snap menu has been updated with clearer instructions, stating "Choose where to move this window," to help new users understand its functionality.

Potential Impact and User Reception

While the 'Drag Tray' could significantly improve file-sharing efficiency, its inclusion in the general release of Windows 11 is uncertain as it was not mentioned in Microsoft's release notes. The move towards mobile-like features in desktop operating systems often sparks debate, with some appreciating the increased user-friendliness and others preferring a more traditional desktop experience.

How to Try the 'Drag Tray'

For users eager to test the 'Drag Tray' feature, phantomofearth shared the necessary commands: vivetool /enable /id:45624564,53397005 and a reboot. An additional command, 48433719, may be required if the feature doesn't work initially.

Related Windows 11 Developments

The article also touches upon other recent Windows 11 developments and user experiences:

• 'inetpub' Folder: Users have reported the appearance of an 'inetpub' folder after recent Windows updates, even on systems without Internet Information Services (IIS) installed. Microsoft has confirmed this is intentional but has not provided a detailed explanation.
• Windows 8 Features: A commentary on the removal of certain Windows 8 features, suggesting their absence is a positive development for the Windows user experience.
• AI Upgrades: Microsoft's ongoing integration of AI, particularly with Copilot, is highlighted, including new features like 'Vision' that allow the AI to interact with the user's screen in real-time.

Conclusion

The 'Drag Tray' feature represents Microsoft's continued efforts to innovate and enhance the user experience in Windows 11. Whether it becomes a permanent fixture remains to be seen, but it signals a potential shift towards more intuitive, mobile-inspired file-sharing methods on the desktop.

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