You can now use the Windows File Explorer alternative from the Microsoft App store on your device. Files is a better, modern, and more manageable version of the legacy File Explorer that comes along in Windows, which we’re all familiar with. It offers more features and is more configurable, as it is a standalone application perfect to match our everyday needs. Let us continue to see how Files is different from Explorer and what it has to offer.

What is Files?

Files is a free application created by Yair A. and is readily available to download and install through the Microsoft Store. The latest version that is publicly available is 1.0. It can and is being used by many people as an alternative for File Explorer. However, this is only supported for Windows 10 at the moment. Not that there was anything wrong with Windows File Explorer, only that Files is more convenient to use, and has many benefits over the legacy explorer. As you may find in the image above, Files may seem like the File Explorer at first glance, but exploring it further would reveal its abundant features. Let us explore some of the advantages it has over the regular explorer.

Interface

Since the first thing you notice is the interface, let us begin there. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) may seem similar to that of Windows File Explorer. The navigation bar on the left is almost the same, and so are the tiles on the right. However, with Files, you can create multiple tabs within the same window to go to different places at once. This was not possible through the legacy File Explorer, and each new location had to be accessed through a separate Explorer window. Separate windows are also supported in Files. Other than that, navigating back and forth is convenient and easier through the arrows placed near the top of the app. Moreover, the search bar is also available, as it was in the Explorer. You can also click on the ellipses in the top-right corner to open a new tab or window, copy the path, or even launch the Command Prompt directly into the current directory. In the bottom-right corner of the app, you will find 3 buttons for Selection options, Layout mode, and Ongoing tasks (left to right). These can be used to select items on the current page, change the layout of the page, and view any ongoing tasks, such as copying or moving items, respectively. Now, on the bottom-left of the app, you will see the Settings button. The options available in Settings have been discussed further in this article.

We have tried and tested the Files app for some time, and navigating with different directories has been quite convenient. With the additional benefit of multiple tabs, switching from one directory to another has been easier. Since the tabs display the location of the directory, it is now possible to know which directory is open in which tab. Moving backward and forward in subdirectories using the arrows at the top has also been convenient, but that is no different from the regular explorer. Moreover, copying files is as easy as drag-and-drop, literally! All you need to do is select the item(s) you wish to copy and simply drag them to a different tab to where you wish to copy it.

Notifications

With the Files app, you will be notified of any action that is being performed that uses the Explorer, such as in the example below: You can then expand the Ongoing tasks popup, or click on the notification to view the currently executing tasks. This will help you to stop accidental actions and take measures to cancel them before they happen.

The overall experience

The overall experience of the app is much to our liking. It is more modern and offers more than the regular and old File Explorer in Windows 10. Features like the context menu, other windows adapting to the theme, and other customization options in the Settings make us notice that the creator has taken an extra mile in the development of the app.

New features in Files

New features have been added to the latest and stable build Files 1.0:

Fixes

As with every app, there have to be a few bugs. Several of them have been fixed in the new version:

Customizable settings

You can find the Settings button at the bottom of the app. Clicking on it will take you to another window. Here, you can switch between the different tabs on the left to change your settings and preferences. The tabs on the left in the Settings menu go in the following order:

AppearanceOn StartupPreferencesWidgetsMultitaskingFiles and FoldersExperimentalAbout

Appearance

Here you can set the theme for the Files app. It can be dark, light, or adjustable with that of the Operating System. You can also opt to enable or disable animations and manage how you want to transition to a new tab or a new menu.

On Startup

From there, you can choose what happens when you launch the Files application. You can go directly to a new, fresh tab or pick up where you last closed the app. You can also set up a default page that opens every time you launch the app, just like on a web browser.

Preferences

On the Preferences tab, you can select a different language for the app. You can also set a default command line (Command Prompt or PowerShell). You may also enable or disable any confirmation boxes that are prompted, for example, when deleting an item.

Widgets

You can choose what to display on the home page when you launch the application. This includes library cards, drives, and recent files.

Multitasking

This tab controls multitasking options like enabling or disabling the dual-pane option. It also allows you to manage the dual-pane, such as having it in a horizontal split-screen or a vertical split-screen, etc.

Files and Folders

The options in this tab are related to the items that are displayed through the app. It allows you to display and hide folders, display item extensions, enable or disable single-click access to folders, and much more.

Experimental

Like the Windows Insider Programs, the Files app also has a testing channel, where users can opt to receive experimental new builds of the app. This option is enabled and disabled through this tab.

About

The About tab displays information about the app, such as the current version, links to release notes, license agreements, etc.

Download Files app for Windows 10

The Files app is available to download through the Microsoft Store free of cost. Follow the steps below to install it. The application will now be installed and you can launch it as soon as it does.

Closing words

As much as we personally like the Files app, we believe that it could entirely replace the legacy File Explorer for some people. Having said that, there are still a few bugs in the app that need to be addressed. We hope that the developer will soon find a way to fix those so that we can keep up with the fast-paced world by performing our tasks quicker. Also see:

6 Free Tools To Backup Data in Windows Including File History and Backup and Restore5 Best Free Stardock Fences Alternatives for WindowsAlternatives to Internet Explorer Now That It Is Gone5 Best Free Windows Photo Viewer Alternatives For Windows 10Best Bitlocker Alternatives For Windows 10 (Including Home Edition)