Microsoft is implementing a change in the Windows 11 File Explorer aimed at optimizing access to certain system folders. The functionality will introduce the recognition of the tilde symbol (~) in the address bar as a direct shortcut to the user directory.
With this new feature, users will be able to replace lengthy paths, such as «C:\Users\UserName\AppData», with a shortened form, using only «~\AppData».
Although Windows 11 already offers several keyboard shortcuts for navigation and control, the tilde operation differs, requiring the symbol to be specifically typed into the File Explorer's address bar.
By typing only the «~» symbol, the system will instantly direct the user to the profile folder, which is usually located at «C:\Users\UserName». Furthermore, this symbol can be combined with other folder names to shorten access routes.
This behavior resembles Unix-based operating systems, where the tilde already serves as a reference to the home directory. The shortcut also aids in accessing the profile, since the directory name does not always match the name displayed in the Windows account; in some scenarios, the system uses part of the email address to identify the directory.
It is important to note that on keyboards configured for Brazilian Portuguese, the tilde may operate as an accent key. In such cases, it may be necessary to press the corresponding key followed by the spacebar to insert the symbol individually into the address bar.
Currently, Microsoft is still in the testing phase with this new shortcut, meaning its operation may undergo adjustments before being widely released. At the moment, the functionality is only present in test versions of the system, without a defined date for its arrival on all Windows 11 computers.
This shortcut integrates a series of modifications that Microsoft has been promoting in Windows 11. Recently, the company also revised the system context menu to make it faster and more customizable.
Additionally, Microsoft seeks to reduce loading time and simplify the Explorer interface. Tecnoblog had previously reported on Microsoft's efforts to make the File Explorer faster and less complicated, including changes to menu organization and the tool's loading process.
The Windows 11 26H2 version was officially released at the end of September and incorporates various usability and performance improvements for the File Explorer.