Windows 11’s best utilities are merging — and it’s more polished than macOS
December 31, 2025
In a recent update, the popular third-party file explorer, Files, has integrated with PowerToys Peek, enhancing the user experience for those who prefer this application over the native Windows 11 File Explorer. This integration, which is part of version 4.0.24 of Files, began rolling out during the festive week between Christmas and New Year’s.
PowerToys Peek
The addition of PowerToys Peek allows users to preview files seamlessly. For those who already have PowerToys installed, using this feature is as simple as selecting an item in Files and pressing the space key to view a preview. This integration streamlines workflows, making it easier for users to manage their files efficiently. More details about PowerToys Peek can be found on their documentation site.
Faster File & Folder Creation
Another notable enhancement in this update is the prefilled default name for new files and folders. This feature allows users to create new items quickly, with the option to easily replace the default name if desired, thereby saving time and effort.
Omnibar
Improvements have also been made to the Omnibar, with the addition of a shadow to the suggestions flyout, aligning it more closely with WinUI styling for a more cohesive user interface.
Status Center
In the Status Center, text wrapping has been introduced for longer folder names, enhancing readability. Additionally, users can now utilize AND and OR operators when searching for tags, making searches more versatile and efficient.
Fixes
Resolved a crash issue that occurred when resizing the window in Dual Pane mode.
Fixed a crash that happened when switching git branches during a merge conflict.
Corrected a display issue affecting PNG-based .ico files with black backgrounds in the sidebar.
Having used Files for an extended period, I find its design and feature set preferable to the default File Explorer in Windows 11. While it has occasionally faced performance challenges, my recent experience has been largely positive, particularly on my workstation laptop. However, individual experiences may vary based on hardware configurations.
For those interested in exploring Files, it is available for free on GitHub and the Microsoft Store. Users who appreciate the app can also support its development through GitHub sponsorship.
Which app do you use on Windows 11 to manage your files? Let us know in the comments below!
Windows 11’s best utilities are merging — and it’s more polished than macOS
In a recent update, the popular third-party file explorer, Files, has integrated with PowerToys Peek, enhancing the user experience for those who prefer this application over the native Windows 11 File Explorer. This integration, which is part of version 4.0.24 of Files, began rolling out during the festive week between Christmas and New Year’s.
PowerToys Peek
The addition of PowerToys Peek allows users to preview files seamlessly. For those who already have PowerToys installed, using this feature is as simple as selecting an item in Files and pressing the space key to view a preview. This integration streamlines workflows, making it easier for users to manage their files efficiently. More details about PowerToys Peek can be found on their documentation site.
Faster File & Folder Creation
Another notable enhancement in this update is the prefilled default name for new files and folders. This feature allows users to create new items quickly, with the option to easily replace the default name if desired, thereby saving time and effort.
Omnibar
Improvements have also been made to the Omnibar, with the addition of a shadow to the suggestions flyout, aligning it more closely with WinUI styling for a more cohesive user interface.
Status Center
In the Status Center, text wrapping has been introduced for longer folder names, enhancing readability. Additionally, users can now utilize AND and OR operators when searching for tags, making searches more versatile and efficient.
Fixes
Having used Files for an extended period, I find its design and feature set preferable to the default File Explorer in Windows 11. While it has occasionally faced performance challenges, my recent experience has been largely positive, particularly on my workstation laptop. However, individual experiences may vary based on hardware configurations.
For those interested in exploring Files, it is available for free on GitHub and the Microsoft Store. Users who appreciate the app can also support its development through GitHub sponsorship.
Which app do you use on Windows 11 to manage your files? Let us know in the comments below!