Tired of File Explorer’s digital dust bunnies? Files app is a breath of fresh air! Kiss multiple bars goodbye; its new Omnibar merges navigation and search into a single, sleek command center. Ready to warp speed your workflow? Let’s launch!
Good to know : learn how to enable File Explorer tabs on your Windows PC.
What’s the Files App for Windows?
Imagine File Explorer, reimagined. That’s Files, an open-source alternative that takes the familiar design you know and love and infuses it with a modern sensibility. Think of it as File Explorer’s cooler, more refined cousin. The intuitive left-hand navigation pane remains, granting instant access to your treasured folders and drives. And on the right, your files and folders appear, presented with a fresh, contemporary flair. If File Explorer is your old faithful, Files will feel like slipping into a perfectly tailored suit.
Imagine File Explorer, amplified. This utility doesn’t just replicate the familiar; it supercharges it with smart tagging, effortless multitasking via split view, and a revolutionary Omnibar. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a streamlined command center, merging breadcrumb navigation, a lightning-fast search, and the powerful Command Palette (more on that later) into one intuitive tool.
Unleash the future! The latest feature has landed, waiting for you in our newest Preview build. Head over to the Files download page and grab it – adventure awaits!
Using the Omnibar
Imagine your file system as a winding path. The Omnibar is your guide, dropping convenient breadcrumbs that illuminate your precise location. Forget endless clicking; these aren’t just markers, they’re shortcuts. Expand each crumb to unveil hidden subfolders, instantly teleporting you deeper into your digital landscape. And when you need to return to basecamp? The everpresentHomeicon whisks you away to your favorite pinned items and frequently visited directories. Navigate with newfound clarity and speed.
Tired of clumsy clicks? Tame your path! Simply tap any blank spot in the breadcrumb trail to instantly rewrite your route. Keyboard ninja?Ctrl+Lis your lightning-fast shortcut to path perfection.
Hunting down a specific file or folder? Piece of cake! Just give that magnifying glass icon a click – you’ll find it chilling on the far left of the Omnibar.
Files will immediately show the best hits below. If you want to perform an in-depth search, pressEnter.
Dive into digital organization! Spot that magnifying glass icon nestled below the Omnibar on the right? Click it to unleash the power to sift through your files and folders with laser-like precision.
The Omnibar just got a serious upgrade! Say goodbye to fumbling forCtrl+Shift+P– the Command Palette now boasts its own dedicated icon, putting powerful features right at your fingertips. No more secret keyboard shortcuts, just instant access.
Unleash a torrent of possibilities! Click the icon to summon a secret menu – a treasure map of actions, each paired with a lightning-fast keyboard shortcut. Command your files, folders, and images with the precision of a seasoned pro.
Lost in a maze of keyboard shortcuts? Unleash the Command Palette! It’s your secret weapon, unlocking 150 actions with simple keyword searches. Stop guessing, start commanding.
If you need to check the complete list of supported actions, go toFiles ->Settings ->Actions.
You can edit a command for an action from here, and even create your own keyboard shortcut combo.
Disabling the Omnibar
In case you don’t want the Omnibar, navigate toSettings ->Advanced.
Toggle off the option toEnable Omnibarat the bottom.
Tip : check how to restart the File Explorer in Windows, if it ever freezes up or crashes.
Other Standout Features
Beyond basic browsing, the Files app packs hidden power. Unlock its potential with these standout features you won’t find in File Explorer:
Tagging
Lost in a digital jungle of files? Unleash the power of tagging! Think of it as giving your files secret identities, whispering clues that lead you straight to the treasures you seek. No more endless scrolling – just instant access to exactly what you need.
To tag a file or folder, right-click it and then selectEdit tagsfrom the context menu.
Select one of the default tags.
To view tagged files and folders, click on theTagsoption in the left side menu.
In case you want to add your own tag, clickSettings ->Tags.
Click theNew tagbutton from there.
Dual pane
Moving files between folders is super easy with the Files app thanks to the Dual pane feature.
The second pane will now split the current tab view in two, allowing you to multitask more effectively.
When you’re done viewing theDual pane, right-click one of the panes and selectClose panein the context menu.
Compact overlay view
Tired of app overload? Files’ Compact Overlay shrinks to a nimble sidekick, staying accessible without hogging your screen real estate. Juggle apps like a pro!
Want a streamlined view? Tap the multiwindow icon nestled in the topleft corner, then choose “Enter compact overlay.” Watch your window instantly shrink, maximizing your screen real estate!
Custom context menu
Tired of wrestling with convoluted context menu editors in Windows? Files liberates you, offering effortless context menu customization right within its sleek interface.
AccessSettings ->General ->Context menu options.
From there, you can uncheck the options you don’t wish to see in the context menu.
Custom background
Breathe life into your file viewer! Ditch the default drab and splash your Files app with personality. Head toSettings >Appearanceand choose a background color that sparks joy. Say goodbye to boring browsing!
Alternatively, you can browse and upload an image from your device.
Here’s the Files app with a custom background.
FYI : check how to set daily Bing wallpapers as you Windows desktop background.
Files: a worthy contender, but can it dethrone File Explorer? While boasting a sleek interface and a plethora of features, we noticed occasional lag, leaving us yearning for File Explorer’s snappier response. Despite this, Files presents a compelling alternative. Not smitten? Fear not! The digital landscape overflows with File Explorer replacements, each vying for your attention.
Thanks for reading This File Explorer Alternative Makes File Management Effortless
