Is Windows 11 getting desktop app folders?

Desktop App Folders

Details are few and far between what features Microsoft plans to pack in the Windows 11 23H2 release that is now in active development, but it appears that we just got another hint.

This major feature update is set for launch next year, but it is already shaping up as a release that packs several welcome additions. Some of these features that Redmond outlined over the months, others made their way out in preview builds in development.

But one such feature has made its way out in the most peculiar of places.

A new teaser from the company suggests that an apps folders feature is in the works for Windows 11.

This was spotted during the company’s hybrid work event in April, where Microsoft showed off support for an apps folder for the Windows desktop. The image below shows it in action, where it works exactly as you imagine it would.

Desktop App Folders

A closer look reveals how the various icons inside stack up.

Desktop App Folders

It looks like that the idea is to allow users to move an app icon over another to create an app folder that will then house these for quick and easy access.

This is, of course, nothing new.

Or revolutionary, for that matter.

The app folders feature is available on Windows 10 too, but users can only create folders or groups for the live tiles that are pinned to the Start Menu. Microsoft has previously confirmed that it is working on bringing such a functionality again, but it seems that this feature may also come for the desktop.

Of course, there is always the possibility that Redmond may be working on this functionality internally, or it could be an experimental addition, or even just concept.

In other words, there is still no guarantee that this will become available in Windows 11 next year.

But if a feature like this does come to fruition, it would definitely help users maintain and keep their Windows 11 desktop clean and organized. Plus, a clean desktop is not just more pleasing to look at, but also amps up productivity.

Get it done, Microsoft!