Did the best files app on Windows 11 just beat Microsoft’s File Explorer again?

Files, a visually appealing alternative to the conventional File Explorer, has recently unveiled a preview update, elevating the app to version 3.8.1. This update brings a host of enhancements, particularly in the Details Pane, which now conveniently displays storage information when users view a drive. The developers have also hinted at additional features in the pipeline for future updates, promising an exciting evolution for this third-party file management solution.

Enhancements in Files v3.8.1

In this latest iteration, several noteworthy changes and fixes have been introduced:

  • Details Pane
    • Now includes storage information when viewing drive details.
  • Shortcut Files
    • Users can assign a custom name when creating new shortcuts.
  • Properties Windows
    • Support for changing the ‘compress’ attribute directly from the properties window has been added.
  • Taskbar
    • The number of open tabs is no longer displayed in the Windows Taskbar.
  • Archives
    • Files can now be set as the default application for opening gz archives on Windows.
  • Drag & Drop
    • The drag-and-drop functionality has been improved, ensuring that Files does not come to the foreground when dragging items to another application.
  • Details Layout
    • Modifications to the enabled columns in Settings will now automatically update existing tabs, enhancing user experience.
  • Release Notes
    • The Release Notes dialog has been revamped to display changelogs directly from the Files website.
    • A new action has been added to open the Release Notes dialog, which was previously only accessible during the session immediately following an update.

Fixes in Files v3.8.1

Alongside these enhancements, several fixes have been implemented to improve overall functionality:

  • Address Bar
    • Resolved an issue where the address bar flyouts displayed duplicate items.
  • Tabs
    • Corrected the order of tabs when dragged from other windows.
  • Actions
    • Fixed a problem with the ‘Run with PowerShell’ action not functioning for files with spaces in their names.

Yair, the developer behind Files, has also announced a shift in how release notes will be communicated. Moving forward, updates will be shared via a blog, fostering transparency and keeping users informed about the app’s progress. The new layout for release notes is designed to be more engaging and user-friendly, reflecting the overall aesthetic improvements of the Files application.

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Did the best files app on Windows 11 just beat Microsoft's File Explorer again?