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Chrome OS is no longer a single operating system. It is Chrome OS + Android + Linux. Files app, the file manager of Chrome OS needs to adapt to this new reality. Looks like the Chrome OS team is busy getting this ready.

According to a code change request and a few bug reports AND a design document, here are the main changes coming to the Files app to prepare it for the new world order. Let’s start with the intention of this change:

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As part of integrating ARC++/Android and Crostini/Linux on Chrome OS, we want to refresh the left-hand side directory navigation on Files app to conform with new UX mocks

The Files app will have a new navigation on its sidebar. Here is how this will look like:

New “My Files”

There will be a new “My Files” section which will be divided into three sections for Chrome OS files (Downloads) and Play Files (for Android) and Linux files (for Linux). From the mocks, looks like you will be able to create folders under the My Files section. Here is the order of different sections according to the design document:

Shortcuts (if any) Divider line “My Files, with Play files and Linux volumes nested in “My Files” bottom List of all removable medias and zip/archive volumes. Google Drive Any other File System Providers (FSP), e.g.: Dropbox.

The Flag

These changes are a work-in-progress. However, you can enable the flag chrome://flags/#new-files-app-navigation to test this new design.

The Search

According to the design document, the initial implementation of this feature will be able to search only the Downloads section even when you select “My Files” and search. This will be corrected in subsequent updates.

More on this soon as the feature develops! Stay tuned!