Windows 11 File Explorer Now Displays Which Microsoft Account Accessed Files

Microsoft is set to elevate the functionality of Windows 11’s File Explorer by improving its ability to show which Microsoft account recently accessed files.

This enhancement, noted by Windows Insider @phantomofearth within the Windows Insider Channels, will also introduce live persona cards—profile cards that appear when users hover over a profile.

The live persona cards are reminiscent of those found in Outlook, enabling Windows users to chat, text, or even call the account holder. Similar to Outlook, clicking on the card will expand it, although insiders report this feature is currently not functional.

These features are embedded within various channels of the Windows Insider Program, particularly Canary, Dev, and Beta. While they are not yet visible, users can reveal them using specific commands via the third-party application ViveTool.

For those interested in activating these features, here are the necessary commands (credit to @phantomofearth):

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

These new functionalities could significantly enhance the versatility of Windows 11’s File Explorer, particularly for shared devices or those utilizing a Shared Folder application like OneDrive. Users will be able to identify document owners, see who has recently opened files, and even reach out to discuss any changes to the documents.

This could ultimately position Windows 11 as a more adaptable operating system by improving collaboration, streamlining workflows, and enhancing productivity.

As of now, Windows 11 24H2 has been available for a few days, and it is likely that these updates will be rolled out in the coming months.

What are your thoughts on these changes?

Image credits: @phantomofearth

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

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

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

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