This application can replace File Explorer on your Windows 11

File Explorer on Windows 11 is having many problems. The redesigned interface from Windows 10 makes it difficult for users to get used to it, the right-click menu has reduced features, and so does the ribbon menu.

Although after a few updates, things have improved a bit, and Windows 11 finally supports tabs in File Explorer. But if you're still frustrated with File Explorer's inconsistency, there's a free, open-source, community-supported, and much more customizable alternative. . It's simply called Files.

How to download files for free

You can download the Files app from the official Microsoft Store for $8, but it's also completely free on the developer's website. After opening the link below, click the "Classic installer" button at the bottom of the page to begin downloading File.Stable.exe for free.

Link to download Files

However, before doing that, you should back up your computer and all your important files, because this is an application that has the right to directly interfere with all files on your computer.

There's no shortage of File Explorer alternatives (with XYPlorer being a popular choice), and there are plenty of people who use this data manager as well. But few applications have a modern and sophisticated design like Files.

It's inspired by Microsoft's Fluent design system and looks better on Windows 11 than Microsoft's own File Explorer, which looks like a cheap jacket version of File Explorer on Windows 10.

This emphasis on design continues with customization options, of which there are many. You can choose from several default themes or customize the colors and transparency effects to suit you. And dark mode is absolutely amazing.

If you are looking for an interface similar to macOS, you can switch to Column view. Like Finder on Mac, this app also has a quick view feature that lets you view photos and PDFs by pressing the Space key (doing this in File Explorer requires a third-party app).

My favorite part, however, is the ability to zoom in on icons and extremely large previews, so you can see what's in a photo or PDF without having to go to the quick view menu - something the Files app does. Original Explorer can't do it.

The intuitive interface in Files also offers great functionality. Tabbed browsing is quick and easy, and Dual Pane support makes it possible to add a panel to a tab from the Menu button. This feature splits each window into two parts. The second panel shows quick shortcuts and lets you browse to any folder. From there, simply drag and drop files, reordering or editing to your liking.

The Dual Panel layout makes file transfer easy and you also don't need to worry about window management. The Details button is another nice touch. The sidebar can display previews and details of the selected file.

As mentioned above, Columns view is another useful way to navigate deeper into complex folder structures without losing context, as you can see the root folder on the left.

Another macOS Finder feature that works well in Files is Tagging support. Tags can be created from the sidebar and multiple tags can be assigned to a single file. When you open a tab from the sidebar, it displays all the files related to that tab. This is a great way to bring together files from different folders without actually moving them.

By default, Files app works with both OneDrive and Google Drive, you can view all the files stored in your cloud storage account and it can preview and extract files. You can add support for other services like iCloud Drive and Dropbox.

Lesley Montoya

Update 19 May 2024