Windows 11's File Explorer will now show which Microsoft account opened files

Microsoft is taking Windows 11’s File Explorer to the next level by enhancing its ability to display which Microsoft account recently opened the file.

Spotted by Windows Insider @phantomofearth in the Windows Insider Channels, File Explorer will also display the so-called live persona cards, which are profile cards that appear when hovering on the profile.

File Explorer is getting more changes – in addition to the shared files tab, profile icons will soon be displayed next to names for recent activity on the Home page and in the details pane. There's more to this. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/fY6PYlq1aR

— phantomofearth 🎃 (@phantomofearth) October 3, 2024

These cards are very similar to the ones Outlook displays within the platform and will allow Windows users to chat, text, or even call the person. Like Outlook, once you click on the card, it will expand, but according to Insider, this is not working yet.

A related feature coming soon is "live persona cards", – pretty much profile cards, these appear on hover and display the person's name, as well as some options such as calling the person. pic.twitter.com/YBPKPzWu0e

— phantomofearth 🎃 (@phantomofearth) October 3, 2024

These features are hidden in the various channels of the Windows Insider Program, mainly Canary, Dev, and Beta. At the moment, they are hidden, but they can be uncovered using special commands with the third-party app ViveTool.

Clicking on a profile icon will bring up a more detailed card, this doesn't work properly yet. pic.twitter.com/5YuYQaBCC9

— phantomofearth 🎃 (@phantomofearth) October 3, 2024

If you’re looking to enable them, here are the commands (thanks to @phantomofearth):

• Profile icons: vivetool /enable /id:48895801 – works in Canary, Dev and Beta Live
• Persona Cards: vivetool /enable /id:46702397, 51848093 – works only in Beta.

These new capabilities would definitely make Windows 11’s File Explorer far more versatile than it already is, especially for shared devices or those Windows devices that use a Shared Folder application, such as OneDrive. Users will be able to see the document’s owners, the ones who have opened it recently, and even contact them to discuss document changes.

It could potentially make Windows 11 a more versatile OS due to improved efficacy, streamlining collaboration, and productivity.

As Windows 11 24H2 has already been out for a few days, these updates will most likely be released in the following months,

What do you think about them?

Image credits: @phantomofearth