Last week, Microsoft unveiled a preview build of Windows 11, showcasing a new method for users to share files directly from File Explorer to their mobile devices or email. This innovative feature, known as “Drag Tray,” functions similarly to file sharing on smartphones, allowing files to be shared by dragging them to the screen’s upper edge. Although this feature was not included in the official update notes, it was identified by various users in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4805.
New File Sharing Interface in Windows 11
A user on X, known as Phantomofearth (@phantomofearth), reported that Microsoft is piloting a new file-sharing interface in Windows 11. Phantomofearth discovered the Drag Tray functionality in the Insider Preview Build 22635.4805, allowing users to easily share files by dragging them from File Explorer to the top of the screen. Upon nearing the upper edge, a tray appears providing multiple sharing options to facilitate the automatic attachment of the selected file.
Microsoft is experimenting with a new file sharing UI in Windows 11: the “Drag Tray”. When dragging a file, the tray shows up at the top of the screen with a drag here to share hint and lists a few apps. Has a more options button to open the share sheet. (hidden, Beta 22635.4805) pic.twitter.com/LXpkTwKZu2
— phantomofearth ⛄ (@phantomofearth) January 24, 2025
Additionally, the user shared a video demonstrating the feature’s functionality, revealing that the Drag Tray includes Microsoft’s applications such as Outlook, Phone Link, and Mail. The operation of this feature closely resembles file and folder sharing processes found in both Android and iOS devices.
Although the Drag Tray feature was not explicitly mentioned in the update release notes, Phantomofearth pointed out that it can be activated through the use of a third-party tool called ViVeTool. Users need to enter the command “/enable /id:45624564,53397005” followed by a reboot of their PC. There is anticipation that the Drag Tray feature will soon be included in a public release of Windows 11.
On January 24, Microsoft launched the Insider Preview Build 22635.4805 (beta version). In addition to the Drag Tray, this latest build also introduces Snap enhancements and addresses several known issues.
