Files: The File Manager Windows 11 Users Have Waited Years For

One-sentence solution: Windows’ built-in File Explorer too basic? Files gives you a modern, tabbed, highly customizable file management experience.

If you switched from Mac to Windows, your first reaction might be — why is this file manager still stuck in the past? Microsoft keeps updating Windows, but File Explorer’s interface hasn’t changed much in over a decade.

Files is here to solve this problem.

What is Files?

Files is an open-source modern file manager built with UWP technology, perfectly adapted to Windows 11’s design language. It doesn’t patch File Explorer — it’s a completely new file manager written from scratch.

The core problems it solves:

• File Explorer has no tabs → adds them
• Old, unattractive interface → redesigned
• Lacks dual-panel operation → included
• Too limited customization → full customization

What Makes It So Good?

Scenario 1: Tab-Based Folder Management

This is the most direct need. Press Ctrl+T to create a new tab and switch gracefully between multiple folders. No more opening a dozen windows crowding your taskbar.

Files’ tabs support drag-and-drop reordering, and when closing a tab, it shows a “close all tabs” dialog to prevent accidental closures.

Scenario 2: Dual-Panel Simultaneous Operation

Files supports opening different folders in left and right panels simultaneously. Copying files becomes extremely intuitive — source folder on the left, destination on the right, just drag and drop.

Scenario 3: Highly Customizable Appearance

Files’ “Settings” page is impressively rich — you can customize theme colors (fully compatible with Windows 11’s Mica effect), font size, file list style, whether to show extensions, default opening method… basically every option you can think of is there.

Scenario 4: Built-in File Preview

Select a file and press the spacebar to preview its content. Supports images, documents, and videos. No need to open a big application just to check if a file is what you’re looking for.

Comparison with Similar Tools

Aspect	Files	QTTabBar	One Commander
Type	Independent app	File Explorer plugin	Independent app
Interface design	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tabs	Supported	Supported	Supported
Dual panel	Supported	Limited	Main feature
Customization	Very high	Medium	High
Learning curve	Low	Very low	Medium
Performance	Moderate	Very low	Low
Open source	✅	✅	❌

Files is for you if: You want a file manager that looks good, is modern, and feature-rich, and you’re willing to spend a few minutes configuring it for a better experience.

User Feedback

• Reddit user u/windowsenthusiast: “Files’ developers truly understand Windows 11’s design philosophy. It feels like the file manager Microsoft should have built.”
• Bilibili content creator: “Files is one of three must-install apps on my Win11 — its appearance alone blows away the built-in File Explorer.”
• GitHub Issue user: “The dual pane feature alone made me switch from Total Commander. And it’s free!”

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros

• Modern interface design, perfect for Windows 11 Mica effect
• Tabs + dual panel, significantly improved file operation efficiency
• Open source and free, active community
• Extremely rich configuration options, almost everything customizable
• Spacebar preview, batch rename, and other practical features

Cons

• First launch slightly slower than File Explorer (UWP app)
• Occasional higher memory usage
• Plugin support not yet complete
• Some advanced features (like FTP) still in development
• Large folders (tens of thousands of files) slower than native File Explorer

Download and Installation

• GitHub Releases (recommended): https://github.com/files-community/Files/releases
• Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nghp3dx8hdx
  • Installing from the Microsoft Store is more convenient with auto-updates, recommended for regular users
• After installation, the first launch will ask you to do some basic setup — choose according to your preferences

Tip: Files is continuously updated, so installing from the Microsoft Store ensures you automatically get the latest version.

Quick Start

1. Install Files from the Microsoft Store or GitHub
2. After launching, go to Settings (gear icon) and enable dual panel mode
3. Try Ctrl+T to create a new tab, Ctrl+W to close the current tab
4. Right-click a folder → “Open in new tab” to experience it
5. Press spacebar to preview a selected file
6. Change the theme color in Settings to your liking

Conclusion

Files is one of the most worthwhile open-source file managers on Windows. It’s not as bloated and intimidating as Total Commander, nor as disappointingly basic as the native File Explorer. It strikes the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

If your Windows 11 is missing a “truly usable file manager,” Files should be at the top of your candidate list.

One-sentence summary: The modern file manager Microsoft didn’t build, but the open-source community made for you.