How to Use the Files Application to Manage Files on Windows

This practical guide explains how to use the files application to manage files on Windows. Follow the steps in order, review the requirements first, and use the troubleshooting notes when a setting or option does not work as expected.

What is the Files app for Windows?

Files is an open-source File Explorer replacement that looks and feels almost identical to the original, though its approach feels more modern. You'll find the familiar navigation pane on the left, which provides quick access to folders and drives, and the content area on the right, which displays your files and folders. If you're familiar with File Explorer, it should feel right at home.

It integrates all the features you get with File Explorer, plus some useful extras like tagging and Split View for multitasking. Most recently, it introduced the Omnibar, which combines breadcrumb trails, a search box, and the Command Palette (more on that option below) into one streamlined tool.

The new feature is available now. You'll need to download the latest Preview build from the Files download page to try it out.

Using Omnibar

With a breadcrumb-style layout, the new Omnibar makes it easy to see exactly where you are in your file system. Each path is expandable, revealing subfolders for faster navigation. On the left, the Home icon provides quick access to pinned items and frequently used folders.

If you need to edit the path, all you have to do is select a blank space in the breadcrumb menu. You can make changes from there. Alternatively, you can try using the Ctrl + L shortcut.

Switching to search for a specific file or folder is now super easy. Click the magnifying glass icon on the left side of the Omnibar.

Files will immediately display the top results below. If you want to do a more in-depth search, press Enter .

There is also an option to filter through files and folders. You will find the icon for this option below the Omnibar on the right.

Finally, the Omnibar allows access to the Command Palette by clicking on a dedicated icon. Previously, the Command Palette was only accessible via the Ctrl + Shift + P shortcut, but now the option is more visible and accessible.

Clicking an icon will display a list of available actions along with their keyboard shortcuts. These actions are commands you can perform on items such as files, folders, and images.

If you're not sure which keyboard shortcut performs a particular action, the Command Palette can help you find it. There are 150 actions supported in total, and you can easily search by keyword to find them.

If you need to check the full list of supported actions, go to Files -> Settings -> Actions .

You can edit the command for an action from here and even create your own keyboard shortcuts.

Disable Omnibar

In case you don't want to use Omnibar, go to Settings -> Advanced .

Turn off the Enable Omnibar option at the bottom.