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Nearly five years have passed since Microsoft launched Windows 11, a journey marked by its gradual ascent to popularity following the controversial decision to retire Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Users have faced hurdles in upgrading, primarily due to design flaws and demanding hardware specifications. This scenario has paved the way for a surge of third-party applications aimed at enhancing the user experience, with the ‘Files’ app emerging as a notable alternative to Windows 11’s native File Explorer.
Recently, the Files app received an update, elevating it to version 4.0.28. This update introduces an enhanced right-click context menu along with several bug fixes, as reported by Neowin. The properties option now stands as a primary action in both the sidebar and home page context menus, promoting a more consistent user experience. Additionally, users can now opt to disable the “Pin to Start” and “Pin to Sidebar” options through Settings > General > Context Menu Options.
What’s New in Files v4.0.28
Support for the Microsoft Store Version of Dropbox
The latest update enables Files to recognize cloud drives associated with the Microsoft Store version of Dropbox, expanding its compatibility beyond the non-Store version.
Icon Customization for URL and Shortcut Files
Users can now personalize their experience further by changing icons for URL and shortcut file types directly from the Properties customization page.
Added Option to Disable Smooth Scrolling
For those who prefer a more traditional browsing experience, smooth scrolling can now be turned off via Settings → General → Scrolling.
Fixes
- Resolved an issue where the ‘Open With’ menu was missing for script files.
- Fixed a problem where switching tabs via the scroll wheel did not function correctly.
- Addressed an issue where SEER would reopen after being manually closed.
- Corrected a bug that caused the default setting to switch incorrectly when opening Files Preview.
- Fixed an inconsistency where the Info Pane was not hidden on the Release Notes page.
- Resolved issues with tag searches containing spaces.
- Corrected the display of file types for hidden items.
The development team behind the Files app has indicated that they are actively pursuing performance improvements, particularly aimed at accelerating thumbnail loading times. In January, Microsoft committed to enhancing the overall perception of Windows 11, with plans to tackle significant user pain points, including a reassessment of their AI strategy.
Last year, Microsoft halted the rollout of a new feature for File Explorer that showcased “recommended” files in large thumbnails at the top of the File Explorer Home tab. As the year unfolds, it will be intriguing to observe the strategies that Microsoft has in store for the File Explorer app within Windows 11.
Despite the challenges, the File Explorer app remains a cornerstone of the Windows operating system, likely consuming a considerable portion of users’ time—second only to their web browsers.
Files App | .99 at Microsoft Store
This third-party file explorer boasts a plethora of features that users have long desired from the built-in File Explorer, including tabs, a column view, a file preview, and a customizable interface.
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