Windows 10 Build 18894 adds new file search options to File Explorer

Microsoft is expected to roll out the Windows 10 May 2019 Update soon. However, the software giant is already releasing preview builds for 2020 updates. The big M has just released the latest Windows 10 Insider preview build for the 20H1 update that includes some File Explorer modifications.

Dona Sarkar announced preview build 18894 for Windows 10’s 20H1 update on Microsoft’s blog. There she stated:

We are releasing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 18894 (20H1) to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring. […] If you take this flight, you won’t be able to switch Slow or Release Preview rings without doing a clean-install on your PC.

Dona Sarker warned that build 18894 might include bugs, which is not unusual for an early preview build.

File Explorer is now powered by Windows Search

Microsoft has refined File Explorer in this latest preview build in response to user feedback pertaining to file searches.

The big M is updating File Explorer so that it is powered by Windows Search. That will ensure File Explorer can integrate OneDrive content with indexed search results.

Consequently, build 18894’s File Explorer includes a suggestions box. The suggestions box pops up as users enter keywords in File Explorer’s search box.

Then users can select a keyword from the suggestions box to search files with.

Aside from File Explorer, Microsoft has also enhanced Narrator in build 18894. Narrator includes a newNarrator + S command that provides hyperlink and heading details.

Furthermore, Narrator no longer repeats header info when it navigates the same columns or rows.

With regard to preview build 18894 bugs, Dona Sarkar confirmed the Your Phone app does not work within that latest build preview (in the Fast ring).

She promised Microsoft will have that fixed in the next Fast ring flight.

She also stated that Microsoft is assisting partners update their software to resolve game crashes triggered by anti-cheat software in 19H1 and 20H1 preview builds.

Microsoft will roll out the Windows 10 20H1 update in spring 2020. Preview build 18894 does not show users a huge amount of new things, but the new suggestions box is a good addition to File Explorer’s search utility.