Microsoft is finally fixing the address bar in Windows 11 File Explorer

In late 2023, Microsoft released Windows 11 version 23H2, which introduced a few modern features to File Explorer. These included a redesigned address bar that enhanced accessibility and touch input optimizations. However, users were disappointed to find that the operating system no longer allowed them to drag files and folders onto the address bar to move them to a higher level. In response to the backlash from Windows users, Microsoft has announced plans to address this issue.

The most recent Windows 11 preview build from the Beta Channel now allows for dragging and dropping objects onto the address bar in File Explorer. A quick demonstration is provided below:

To enable this feature if it is not already turned on by default after reaching build 22635.3420, use the ViVeTool app to force-enable it. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Obtain ViveTool from the GitHub website at https://github.com/thebookisclosed/ViVe/releases and extract the files into a folder that is easily accessible.
2. To access the ViveTool files with elevated privileges, open the Command Prompt as an Administrator and use the CD command to navigate to the folder where the files are located. For instance, if the ViveTool files are in C:\Vive, type CD C:\Vive in the Command Prompt.
3. Type vivetool /enable /id:47664723 and press Enter. If this method does not work, use the same process to enable 48433719.
4. Begin the process by restarting your computer.

Next, open File Explorer and attempt to move a file or folder by dragging it onto the address bar. While dragging, you should see a “Move to”popup appear.

The exact release date for the updated address bar in the Stable Channel is currently unknown. However, features that are tested in the Beta Channel tend to be released to the public fairly quickly. We can only hope that Microsoft will not keep their customers waiting for too long for this update.

Take a look at the dedicated article to learn more about the additional features available in build 22635.3420, such as the built-in QR code generator.

The credit for the discovery is attributed to @PhantomOfEarth on X, as revealed on their Twitter post at https://twitter.com/PhantomOfEarth/status/1773775646562369701.