Hands-on with Files for Windows Phone 8.1

By Mark Guim
published

You’ve been waiting for it and now it’s finally here. Files by Microsoft has just officially arrived at the Windows Phone Store and we’ve spent some time with it. There are already third-party apps for managing files and folders, like Pocket Explorer and Aerize Explorer, but let’s see how Microsoft’s official solution works.

Head past the break to watch our hands-on video.

Features:

  • Access files stored on your phone and SD card
  • Browse, search and launch files
  • Easily share one file or multiple files
  • Create folders to organize your files
  • Copy, move, rename and delete files

Files let you know how much storage you have used and how much you have left. Using it is very straightforward. Click on a folder name to view the contents. Click on a file to open it. We have no problems opening PDF, ringtones, videos, or images. If there’s a specific file that you’re looking for, just hit the search button at the bottom. Another handy feature is sorting. You can sort files by name, time, or size.

The Files app look very simple. Under a file or folder name, is a timestamp. To the left, is a thumbnail if it’s an image or video. The number of files or folders is shown to the left of folder names.

Our favorite feature is sharing files to Mail as attachments. You can attach documents, ringtones, images, and more. Press and hold on a folder or file, and then click share. Select one of your email accounts, and your Windows Phone will open a new email with the files as attachments.

Files is a free download from the Windows Phone Store. What are you waiting for? Go download it now on your Windows Phone 8.1 devices! Will you be using Files by Microsoft, or do you already have a favorite third-party file manager? Let us know in the comments!

Mark Guim
Mark Guim

Mark Guim is Video Editor at Windows Central. He switched to Windows because the MacBook Pro isn't Pro enough. You can follow him on Twitter at @markguim.

388 Comments
  • I love how it came out a month before schedule.
  • Let's hope everything from now on comes a month earlier, i'm ok even if it's a day !
  • Fingers crossed
  • Xbox music team, you should be taking notes. See how fast this app came out? See how fast you can scroll through hugh lists of music or photos without having to see 'loading'? This app is great, i hope someone at xbox music wakes up.
  • Lol, two completely different types of apps. This is so basic because its just a file explorer, Xbox Music os a cloud based collection pulling from your phone, your cloud, and listing them with all info and album art. Those are a little different, and they are working on it. They've been releasing an update every two weeks where have you been?
  • He hasn't gone anywhere... The Xbox Music team has been "working on it" for a couple years now and things kept getting WORSE. Just now are they finally releasing updates that are actually better than the previous version. And it's still at a snail's pace. The core issues and biggest glitches remain. I don't see why you, or anyone, feels the need to come to the defense of the team who created such a terribly busted app.
  • I've been right here the whole time with every update. It's getting better but its far from perfect. And the function to call up a list of files cannot be that much different. Other WP apps can do this with ease. Xbox music is just not getting it. I also have cloud turned off and its super slow.
  • I think they need to start from scratch. The best thing about my iPhone is the music app works flawlessly every time with zero lag. Its that confident consistency that keeps me coming back. I love the custom and simplistic feel of WP but certain things just need to work. Period.
  • Don't get crazy on me! An iPhone isn't a solution! NEVER!!!!! The old WP player was great, and WP8.1 is still very new. I'm sure the' files' team will help them out. :) Xbox music is close to greatness, I believe in them. Microsoft may be slow once in a while, but they are always worth the wait!!! :P
  • An iPhone isn't a solution, maybe, but I'd wish Microsoft to learn something from Apple. internet explorer has improved but is far from Safari in many aspects, for example.
  • I'd rather use IE. Safari is garbage. Every mac user I know uses chrome or Firefox. Didn't look into it yet, but the next IE is right around where corner.
  • I've been using my dads non retina iPad mini and I have to admit its such a joy to use compared to my dv8pro everything works perfectly, and I don't get random blue screens.-_-
  • I just wish they'd add back in DNLA pull. I hate using bandwidth for something stored in the next room
  • But the iPhone was originally the ipod-a music player. You could say Apple had a head start but still no excuse about MS. it shouldn't take this long..
  • And xbox music was originally the zune music player.  You could say that should have given Microsoft a head start in development, but they started with something good and then messed things up with every new iteration.  At least that's the way it's worked in their world of music players.
  • Yeah, they are like amateur dev keep updating facebook app every week. But the result was the same glitch buggy lagging damn facebook app............
  • It's definitely not super slow, it sure still needs work but everytime I launch it I can click shuffle or a playlist and music starts playing right away even while it says loading on top. What do you guys do just stare at that "loading music" until it stops before playing music?
  • Regardless, 'loaded' is something that nobody should ever see with locally stored files. IE can load whole web pages before I can get a list of 40 artists on Xbox music.
  • How do u turn cloud off?
  • Settings, un click show streaming music in collection. It's actually the only option in the settings.
  • +1520
  • Glad you noticed that Xbox team is "lazy". I get the feeling that Nokia Dev Team had a big contribution to the build of Files application. It is similiar to the one on Meego and even looks the same as the one on Symbian S60. Nokia man!
  • You can now use files as a basic music player on your Windows device.  It's not fancy - it works like a basic mp3 player from maybe 7 or 8 years ago - but it WORKS.  If I could only attach album art to music files I would be set. 
  • You mean 2 days?
  • Me too....unexpected gift from Microsoft!
  • It was originally said to come end of may. Then that it would be delayed until June. So its on time.
  • Yes. Joe Belfiore said it was coming in May on his Reddit AMA.
  • Let''s hope 8.1 final comes from all carriers a month early...
  • ^^this
  • One can dream.
  • I imagine they are dog fooding this to see if people have any issues with it running
  • Guys, it doesn't give me the Bluetooth option on share menu.. anybody experiencing the same??
     
  • Be sure you have Bluetooth on... In WP you have to switch BT on to use it. Quite annoying, but this way it works!
  • wow.. Indeed. What a (stupid) implementation.. Thanks!
     
  • Joe Belfiore originally stated the file manager was coming this month (May).
  • Awesome!
    At last, It was about time!!
  • That was pretty fast
  • Works exceptionally well. Deleted 264 pics and handled it just fine.
  • Tried opening a Word document from Files and started editing it. Tells me it's read-only. Can't save changes. Not a good start.
  • I think that's more an issue with Office as opposed to Files. I think certain .docx files are read only on WP. I have to say, I think Files rocks, I particularly like the fact that you can now attach pretty much any file type to emails.
  • Yup, attaching files is a breeze now. My favorite feature, I don't really have much other use for file manager on WP, I got used to navigating the system without one, because the OS was designed like that. It's certainly a handy addition though.
  • Yes. You can't edit office 2003 files..
  • I'm editing a document created on my Windows Phone. Pretty sure that's .docx format.
  • Convert those files a compatible WP Office format.
  • can you share ringtones/songs with whatsapp? :D hope so ^^
  • With a little workaround it works... Create a new folder (call it e.g. Whatsapp Music), copy your file you intend to send into this folder, add .mp4 to the file's name. Go to WA and you will find it there as a Video. Other is not possible atm. But that is Whatsapp's fault, not MS's!
  • WP now rocks, Android never more
  • MS just made one of the stupidest file manager. Did you really use it?. Have you try to watch multiple pictures at once through this file manager.
  • You just made one of the "stupidest" comments. If I want to look through photos, I go to gallery. In File manager, I MANAGE files.. move around, batch delete, check data, send, blabla.
  • THIS
  • GG002, please stop making sense.... Then again, I was surprice he didn't ask for mouse support and multiple windows this file manager to browse, open and play pictures, movies, and executables
  • Why can't I share a picture through File to WhatsApp? :(
  • Not supported yet.
  • Blame WhatsApp for that.
  • The new whatsapp was released yesterday .... Give them time
  • always have to find sumthing to complain about huh  
  • Lol
  • That's how a platform moves forward. Don't be such fanboys. Be fans.
  • Actually your comment is more stupid. where do you read that we do not view images in file manager? Your comment shows that you are narrow minded person. Can you tell me what will be wrong just to add swipe feature for viewing images?   Users like you don't know what you want. Before file manager launch you always says that WP don't need a file manager. So, you don't know anything about file manager. actually you don't know anything about WP and smartphone.  
  • ^this^ :D
  • You need to go to hospital
  • ^ this ;P
  • ES file explorer on Android also just displays one photo and plays music in some weird player that doesn't run in the background. Write a review, tell then what your idea, maybe they'll listen, but you still have Photos app to view photos.
  • Good point about ES - and that's the first app I put on any android device!!!! It's about choice - if you don't want or need it don't use it. Move along. Thanks MSFT!
  • First of all. Android isn't WP. I don't know why user keep bringing Android and iOS here. They are different and WP is different. So, if something which isn't avaiable on Android doesn't mean that WP doesn't need it. or do you consider Android as benchmark OS?
  • Benchmark in terms of funcionality yes, you could say it like that. In terms of speed and performance, not so much. Of course WP Files could be better, I just said how other (great) file managers have approached the issue. I know WP isn't android, but it's a direct (very successful) competitor, so if we can't compare WP to iOS and android, what are we gonna compare it against? OSX or Windows x86? Or maybe Volvo and Bosch? Or Heinz? Let's just compare WP to trees and penguins. There's plenty that android is doing great, and there's plenty that's not. Same with WP. Since file managers on WP were very limited until now, it's kinda hard to compare Files against file managers that were available befor, and last thing if you read my comment correctly, I wasn't comparing WP to Android, I was coparing Files to ES File Explorer, or am I not even allowed to compare different apps to each other? Stop being offended for such trivial things, mobile OS are going to be compared to each other for a while. You could also say Tesla cars are different, you can't compare them to Golf diesel, but yes, you can, they are both, in the end, meant to bring you from point A to point B. They both need wheels and some sort of engine, a chassis, roof, windows, and they're both tested to the same safety regulations.
  • Still, you still haven't answer my question.
    If something which isn't available on Android apps means their is no need in WP too? I don't understand why some your are getting angry(not you).
    I face this lots of time.
    First when I mention file manger that time same response,
    When I mention auto rotate on/off same response that time too and etc. Eventually apps came but why some users are like this that they can't even want to listen anything wrong about WP.
  • Of course it doesn't mean that WP can't do things better, it could, sometimes it does, hubs and lenses is a great example, too bad they ruined hubs in 8.1. Before I had 1 tile for music, and I could access Music, Nokia music, Tunein, cloudmuzik and mpatool all from one place, or I could just press the quick play button. It was amazing. Similar with imaging apps, all available from Photos tile and swipe to the left. I also prefer vertical list of apps and vertical start screen, I feel like Start is way more small screen and touch friendly then android stock launcher. If I didn't think WP is better (for my needs at least) than android, I wouldn't have bought the 925 but Nexus 5 instead. I never said that there's not apps on WP, even the opposite, I always say that all necessary apps are available, you just have to look for them sometimes because they may be 3rd party. Complain to reviewing sites, they always make WP sound like a toy.
  • But if this isn't available on android file manager apps(like people are claiming) then what makes MS's version the "stupidest" version?
    Anyways, this isn't something to complain about. The app would keep getting updated. To a very large extent, the app offers what it promised; a way to manage files on your device.
  • Go home.
  • To be honest, I'm glad that MS finally decided to release a file manager. All others in the store were either missing features or you had to pay for the full version. This one, however, works just the way i like it. For free.
  • Try the app 'Folders Beta'. I think it's way better than this app.
  • MS ftw! :)
  • +520
  • Would like to see OneDrive integration.
  • Just use the OneDrive app and use the share feature to upload to OneDrive.
  • Yes! But check out "Folders Beta" at the store it's free for limited time and has the onedrive integration
  • This. Folders beta finally got it working, but should be in MS app by default. Still this is a nice, simple, elegant app. Well done.
  • I agree, all of this features should have been added to OneDrive, just like it is in the Windows 8 app.   there is no reason to have two similar file managers, when you can simply have one and select between local and cloud
  • This is 1.0 and MS has been fairly responsive to requests.  Look at how much we've gotten over the last year.  The ability to "close" apps from the card view screen, better wifi management, bigger screens with more pixels, and a boat load of other features.  A year ago, we didn't even have GDR2 yet and had yet to have the Developer Preview program.  As people request OneDrive integration, it will come.  I also hope with this that it is close to a Universal App.  The Modern UI needs a great file manager on its way to eliminating the Desktop.  Once all the Control Panel features are moved over, Modern Office is out, and there's a File Manager, they can begin to release machines without the Desktop on RT and even on Intel.  I think with Threshold and the ability to window Modern apps, they will begin to push developers into the Modern UI for all design, whether legacy Desktop or Win8, so we will see new app updates to things like Creative Suite, AutoCAD, etc all in Modern with some contextual ability to detect input and switch controls, providing a different interface if touch is present, but a mouse and keyboard interface when those are plugged in. Going to be really interesting a year from now.
  • pretty sure one drive integration should have been a no brainer. Didnt know we had to ask.
  • +710
  • Pocket File Manager has drop box and onedrive integration.
  • And Box.com, and Google drive, and Copy.com, and Yandex.
  • I like "Files" : well done MS ! - it is simple and straight forward - it allows for the creation of a new folder in the root - But I agree that OneDrive should be integrated too : it is the only thing missing
  • You guys are on top of everything,
    Love you guys for that
    Thanks a million
  • Love you!!!!
  • Love u more
  • Get a room you three!
  • Hahah
  • Mark you old Nokia dude you, love you muito!
  • Hey Mark whatsapp is back, with backgrounds and some other stuff
  • ...
  • Yep WhatsApp is online
  • Sorry, didn't realized that there was already a post for it, for some reason it didn't load up for me :/
  • sʎnƃ noʎ ǝʌol ı
  • LOL, how you do that????
  • That's Greek alphabet.
  • Whatsapp and Files at the same time? There's going to be a lot less whining on the forums tonight
  • This :)
  • :)
  • LMAO! So true, though.
  • I doubt it
  • Nah. They'll find something!
  • You win the internet with this comment.
  • Note - something will be found to whine about!!!!
  • So true
  • For a file manager I would prefer full access like windows mobile on my Treo pro but i
  • That's not an app limitation but at the OS level. In fact it's one of Windows Phone's key security features.
  • Yeah I know I'm used to the one on windows mobile
  • ¡¡¡¡ʎɐqǝ ɯoɹɟ pɹɐoqʎǝʞ ʎnq ɹǝʌǝu ʞɔɐq s,ʇı pɐןb ʇnq ʇıɥs ǝɥʇ ǝsn ʇ,uop
  • Wtf? How did you do that :O
  • My Text twister app. U can type upside down: ¡¡Oʇ ʇı PıP ı ƎƎS
  • Wow that's a need app
  • ʎɐqǝ uıʞɔnɟ ¡¡¡ǝʞoɹq pɹɐoqʎǝʞ ʎɯ
  • sǝןnɹ ʎɐqǝ ˙ʇ,upıp n ou
  • Pfft you caught me bro. I've been very naughty and now I'm going to jail.
  • Yeah sorry for that ^▽^
  • How???
  • MyTexTTwister App. Been using it since day 1, to piss off my boss with crooked emails.
  • Lol
  • Ok cool thanks! Lol
  • I can finally access my office docs I copied through USB cable. Hope the next update will bring the ability to access downloaded torrent files (though its illegal) LOL
  • Couldn't you always do that just by opening office then clicking phone?
  • That's what I was hoping the time I copied my files. But it can't
  • If you put them in the DOCUMENTS folder it would open them. Without Th need for a file manager.
  • Torrents are not illegal. A lot of legit companies use torrents to share legal files and save on bandwidth. It all depends on what kind of torrent files you're downloading. And... I guess it would be possible now with 8.1 for someone to create a torrent app for Windows Phone that would create a Torrents folder in the Downloads folder. It'd be pretty cool!
  • :D I'm looking forward to that
  • I can access my torrents on my phone I just did it with wptorrent and files downloaded the torrent and it was there. What we need now is WinZip and winrar!!!
  • "Archiver" works pretty well.
  • I've never been able to successfully open a zip or rar file with that there's no extract option in the shi when I opened the files they were just there and I couldn't do anything else
  • Yeah - need winzip or winrar on wp! And for the next update multiple attachments to one email! ( including zips) - wp is getting feature rich quick ;)
  • "Our favorite feature is sharing files to Mail as attachments". Yes but still no way to REPLY to an email with a document, like all email clients have been able to do since email was invented.
  • I have to agree it is silly. One can hope that is in the next update.
  • Right and that's sad
  • To be fair, that's something the mail client needs to do, so maybe we'll see that in an update soon. There's a lot of forward movement lately, so who knows
  • +1
  • It's fast! Deleted my eararaarearizer something app.
  • Lol. I'm sure you weren't calling it that before Files was available. You were worshipping it.
  • ˙ǝɹǝɥʇ pıp ı ɔıƃɐɯ pןo ǝɯos sɐʍ ʇɐɥʇ ɥɐǝʎ
  • Love this... Finally I don't miss anything on 8.1 :)
  • Awesome sir.. It's exlent.. Thnx for the info and posting it
  • I don't use File managers anymore, but I downloaded it anyway ... Have to say, I like it a lot more than Pocket Explorer. Not that Pocket Explorer is bad, the UI was bit too busy for my taste.
  • Me too, but there are occasions when it could be useful
  • Can it extract zip files?
  • Ive been able to open zip files without it. Now I can actually manage the files I've downloaded.
  • I haven't tested it, but you can already do this directly from the emails, so I'm pretty sure it must work in this app.
  • FINALLY . THANKS MICROSOFT!
  • Can you select multiple files and attach them to an e-mail?
  • Just did with two zip files.
  • Yes, why not?
  • Yes, you can
  • Yay! That I did not know - going to test it out
  • I just downloaded it. Also nothing to do with this but att has Nokia fatboy chargers for $5 online and in store. The only one showing in stock online is cyan. I tried to order but it keeps kicking me out to the main page. I also found white Nokia plate chargers for $5. They showed out of stock yesterday. I ordered one while I could.
  • Does anyone know if one can set a certain App to open a certain file by default? Like having adobe PDF reader open all PDF file without the file picker poping up everytime.
  • No.
  • Hmm... my Adobe Reader already opens PDF by default.  I think you just have to uninstall the MS "Reader" app.
  • If you have two apps supporting the same type of file, they are both proposed and you have to choose. it's not possible to set a "default" app
  • It opened even rar and zip files ... WOW!! This is AWESOME !!
  • The feature I really like about this app is its ability to open the contents of a zip file, just like in PC.
  • Works great on my 928!
  • Is it officially MS will not add in the file manager with preloaded in the device?
  • Why do they need to? Does Google Android, or any OEM skin bake it in, no. It works, and it works well. Sure it's not going to give you access to core files like ES File Manager on Droid, but that's the beauty of it, and will keep people from F*&^ing up their devices like they do on the dark side.
  • I'm sure they will in the next major release (maybe not the upcoming 8.1 which is almost finalized).
  • Now we need to be able to attach files FROM the e-mail app.
  • You know it's coming. It took Android what 27 updates to take care of basic features, but people don't give MS a chance with what now, 2-3 updates to Win 8?
  • Glad I held back from paying for 'pro' version of a 3rd party file explorer. Although, with $60 in my wallet thanks to being a 'new lumia owner', I could probably afford to fork over the 99c...
  • Yeah! Though I'm getting emails telling me the credit is going to run out soon (the older credit) !!!!
  • Yes, Windows Phone 8.1 is THAT awesome.
  • Just beautiful!! I love it. I'm so happy I'm getting my Lumia 1020 next week. Just bring WHATSAPP soon please!
  • It's back
  • Good to having 1020, it is really awesome device.
  • Is it a bug? After i share a picture (to Whatsapp), file manager copying it.
  • nope. By default everytime you upload any media it makes a copy on your device. 
  • Which mean if I deleted the photo in camera roll Whatsapp then the file manager will update automatically.
  • No files for wp 8?..
  • no , you can install when Wp8.1 gets released to General public in month or so. alternatively you install Wp8.1 dev preview ( dont have to be dev to download it )
  • Thanks for t tip
  • Exactly! No love for 8.0! No 8.1 for me. I just can't give up my music hub for something that's way less capable. And I've never been impressed with any notification centers. But that's just me. :)
  • It's me, too. I didn't go WP8 until Amber, either. Hopefully WP8.1 will be acceptable for real use sooner than later.
  • Ha ha... Dame feelings here
  • Good app. It replaces Pocket File Manager on my start screen.   But...it doesn't support any kind of file transfer. Between phone and PC, or phone and phone, etc. You know, it's kind of sad that a "Windows" phone doesn't even support Windows networking.  
  • You could use bluetooth (share using bluetooth using File manager) to send files to your PC. 
  • Wi-Fi or network sharing is better than Bluetooth IMO
  • Love it!
  • Awesome... Finally can mail PDF directly.. Is fast n non laggy on my 520, definitely made the first impression..
  • Can you use it to delete multiple videos?
  • Yes.
  • How? I just tried deleting things on my 1520, but unless I delete the "entire" folder, I don't see a way. When I long press it just brings up the menu to do it one at a time.
  • tap on the select button on the application bar and it will activate selection mode. select multiple files, then tap on the delete button.
  • "What are you waiting for?" you ask? That would be WP 8.1...
  • Beta :D like Google's services.
  • A nasty stinky carp.
  • Boooooooom.... Mac
  • And your only e-mail setup (and recently used) in your phone is a Google one ? So funny....
  • But this is not available to Lumia 925 in india
    ... Any idea??
  • Are you using wp8 or wp8.1?
  • You are probably using WP 8 ....
  • If you are using 8.1 try the link that wpcentral page gives you. I too could find it in the store search
    P.S: I'm from India too
  • Doesn't support my system date or time format settings for timestamp.
  • No, it doesn't. It uses US English default settings (12-hour time, MM/DD/YYYY, etc.). I hope they'll fix this soon. And now that we have a file explorer, it's time to start supporting the ISO 8601 date format (2014-05-31).
  • Actually, on my UK phone it is showing dd/mm/yyyy with 24h time format. So this bug just affects some countries it seems.
  • It is pretty damn slick so far.
  • Wish it would open zip files
  • You can.
  • Need some updates...
    Thumbnail view,
    Slide To see Recently viewed files,
    ....
    ....
    ....
    N lots more
  • Wish it could open .prn files
  • One additional feature I would like to see added is that you could select a file and pin a shortcut to the start screen. I used to be able to put shortcuts to teaching videos on the start screen, but after updating to 8.1, that option is gone. So, it would great to have it added to this App.
  • Try Folders Beta!
  • Finally a Microsoft one, now I can get rid of the 3-4 other file managers that all do different things best....
  • Thanks I love it Now fix email forwarding lack of editing
  • Thanks a lot Microsoft. But why isn't there an option for single or multiple file share over Bluetooth?? Maybe in a future update??
  • Not sure what you are talking about.
    I just sent myself 3 selected files over BT to my laptop. First you have to Pair your Phone with your BT PC Then Right Click on the BT icon in the SysTray Click Recieve a File Then share the selected files via the Phone.
     
  • I noticed when I attached a jpg, it drastically cuts the size. MICROSOFT, Let ME decide whether or not I want to attach a full size jpg from my phone PLEASE
  • Awesome...
  • Never would have thought Mark Guim would sound so white n nerdy, lol
  • I know a few guys at work that use a thumb drive to watch movies on their android phones. Will we be able to use the Files app to view/use thumb drive files?
  • I remember Reading an article saying WP 8.1 does support that feature.
  • We tried it and it didn't work. Maybe the USB has to be powered by an external source. I'll have to try that another time. That would be a cool feature. It would save a lot of storage on your phone
  • I hope Microsoft will implement a direct integration with OneDrive just like Pocket File Explorer does. It makes transferring any files in and out of OneDrive so much faster and easier.
  • SEEMS like it came out FASTER than expected :P
  • There is a small bug When you open a file from the Office Hub, then hit start button, then go into Files app, open the same file again, Error code: -2147024864 Feedback Sent  
  • Works great love being able to attach files to an email finally. ...now does anyone know how to save a file from an email
  • Even am waiting for the same feature.that feature and ability to hide/lock files would make it an awesome and complete app.
  • That's why I will be keeping Pocket File Explorer around for the near future. A much more robust app. You can save any email attachment to your phone and attach it to an email. The OneDrive (multiple accounts) and Dropbox integration makes moving things around much easier. Maybe Files 2.0 (or 3.0) will get it right. But not today.
  • I just saw the video, and the ICON doesn't seems to have backlight keys :(
  • It does. All high end Lumias do.
  • :o thanks! Now I can buy my 930 in peace! But I hate that I can't see it through the videos haha
  • Awsome! Late to the party but better now than never.
  • Plz can any one tell me how to download this app, I cant at store.
  • This app is simply awesome.. Much much better than those third party apps already available on store
  • I liked it better and simple then other third party apps. Also, I will look forward to see the remote access and cloud storage integration too in future as a complete and outstanding application in any ecosystem by far.
  • God this app is not installing in ma phone....! is anyone facing dis problem or only its me??????
  • Are u using 8.1
  • Is there a way to delete temporary files?
  • Hey guys join our biggest wp group http://is.gd/wpgroup more than 80k members already joined.
    Thanks
  • Interesting ' feature' - when viewing a video file through files the navigation bar disappears until you touch the screen (on 630), same video in the video app has nav bar permanently.
  • Email is the big news here!
    Now, when will Microsoft recognize reality and allow hidden or locked files?
  • Attaching multiple files to emails possible now?? Via File manager?
  • Yes
  • Wonderful! Thank you! :D
  • Just love it
  • Now windows phone are showing their capablities. It's awesome....sriosuly ow thats what i call perfomance!!! :)
  • Missing id3 tagging. But that's my only gripe
  • Pocket File Manager runs circles around this app. It adds PDF import from email and OneDrive and dropbox support.
  • It surely does.
  • Cany you use usb otg? Posted via Windows Phone Central App
  • I remember reading this was possible
  • Is it working on windows phone 8?
  • Yup, working great.
  • Its cool and fast.... Need swipe through images and play music from file.....
  • Version of the files app in the Store is horrible, Version
    2014.523.1121.3909
  • No USB OTG? :/
  • I like it!!!
  • just got whatsapp update.... 
  • At last the windowsphone is complete in all aspects.
  • No it's not. It's finally at 8 out of 10 which is still pretty cool.
  • Looks so 90s!! Better suited for Windows 98. Posted via the WPC App
  • Whatsapp and now this!Microsoft on a roll!
  • Pretty simple and sleek
    A good WP file manager app finally
  • death to android!
  • Great. Now I will uninstall Aerize for explorer from my phone.
  • We get mail. Need to reply to it with an attachment . How do we do that ?
  • Next, USB On-The_Go (OTG) prizzzzy. Let me check if I still have the cable, anyway?
  • Sigh, have to rearrange my start screen...
  • Why am I not able to rename songs and albums?
  • Files also lets you open file from other apps
  • Simple, beautiful and functional. Yet no match to pocket file manager ;)
  • I agree Pocket File Manager integrates OneDrive and it has a nicer interface too.
  • Yup! onedrive, dropbox, box, google drive, copy and yandex as well! I use it as my primary file manager. Even after arrival of "Files". It's just most powerful and most functional file manager available for WP till date. But I guess Files will also improve eventually, with more updates. That's why its not integrated in the system ;) ------------------------------------------------------ I'm more happy to see official file manager for WP as long as it wil give android users one less reason NOT  to choose WP and one less reason to bi+ch about...
  • It's the most complete and awesome file manager till date
  • What needs to be done now is when click on attachment of email app it should open this app by default.
  • Where do i find attachments saved on fone? Plz fix this also
  • Though late, its working as it should. Awesome. Close the gap MS
  • Wow cool.....simple and fast ,..thank you
  • Anyone else who liked the backslashed from the beta app better?
  • Pocke file manager is better
  • Yeah its awesome with cloud storage integration. Makes it easy to manage all your files. And gets frequent updates as well
  • You're right Pocket File Manager integrates OneDrive and it has a nicer interface too.
  • Not just onedrive, but dropbox, box, google drive, copy and yandex as well...
  • Now windows Phone rocks
  • It's just so Microsoft to not put OneDrive in there. Sigh.
  • If it ain't half baked it ain't MS. Glad I bought Pocket file manager with Box and Onedrive integration.
  • I just love this app. It needs to go to Windows 8.1 too.
  • Brilliant
  • Great app needs a better looking tile
  • ^THIS! Guess Im not the only one who thinks they need to create a better tile / icon
  • Great work Microsoft !
  • yeah... after a long time.
  • it's strange. i renamed two files in the ringtones folder and they never showed up in my ringtones list again. i even soft reset the phone. no good.
  • Move them anywhere and move back to the ringtones folder.
  • I love this app
  • Wow... Works amazingly!!
    This is Microsoft
  • Can I connect a USB thumb drive to my 8.1 Enabled WP with OTG ? PLS reply,thanks.
  • I was using FileEx, and I paid for it, but this is better. Good job Microsoft.
  • Hello MaxSmarties, first of all, thank you very much for supporting development of FileEx! Now, I have to admit that in terms of local storage management, third party apps can't compete with Microsoft Files, because it uses private APIs to directly access the file system, so they don't need to use folder pickers to get user consent and also can load folders much faster, because their requests don't have to go to built in OS broker process. At the same time, I hope FileEx will still be useful to you at least with cloud management features, that are coming every moment (still awaiting certification in Store). I will listen to your feedback, so if you have any ideas for improvement, let me know :-) . PS : What I always test on a file manager is if it handles renaming a file in a way of changing just letter casing (eg. file.txt to File.txt for example). FileEx doesn't fail in this case, Files do, same as most file managers :-) .
  • Seems faster !
  • Can't find it in the UK store :-(
  • Downloaded it, and already love it! I ❤ Microsoft!
  • Allow me to download ANY extention already!!!
  • The new handsets that are like the 930 have USB-OTG since there is file manager now?
  • WOW!! just discovered that you can email all file in a folder by just selecting the folder and then tap share.
  • Please improve back ground task..... As like as Android
  • Then it would suck. http://allaboutwindowsphone.com/features/item/19277_Managed_multitasking...
  • Great article. That was a good example, cleared doubts up quickly
  • No network folder access...?
  • One thing, which makes this File manager different from other third party File Managers, is that it can "restore the view state". Before this app, it was really tedious to navigate through folders. Now no more.
    Thanks Microsoft!
  • When I started to download it it says I can't install it because of some issues
  • Why cant I See video files..?? It just says that you need a software from The window store to read the file..???
  • Why don't we have some for windows phone 8
  • Get Windows Phone 8.1 Dev Preview... It wont harm.
  • I prefer Files to be integrated in OneDrive. Also, I'd like an option to download offline docs or music files from OneDrive. It's strange to see that Office and other apps use cache to store files from OneDrive. In this case, those files are not accessible from Files.
  • I really like it, it is way better than third party apps that I have tried. I love the thumbnail view for pictures and the ability to copy or move multiple files at once. The only problem that I stated was while moving around 40 photos. It suddenly sent me to home screen, and I noticed that 5-6 where left unmoved. I managed to move them without problems, but when the process ended, I was sent back again to home screen.
  • But after renaming a music file it says need to search a app in store, and the file won't play and lost from music hub
  • Guys, it doesn't give me the Bluetooth option on share menu.. anybody experiencing the same??
  • You should have your Bluetooth switched on first :P
  • it's a good app...i've been using folders beta till now...it has one drive integrated..but i like files and use one drive separately :)
  • This should be an integral part of cyan update when it comes OTA
  • +1
  • Now that windows phone is almost complete with the superb features of wp8.1 and the latest 'files' app, just one more thing I would ask for is an app to share files over wifi,... For example: Super beam on Android..... Some files are quite too big to share over Bluetooth
  • Can't find it on UK store !!
  • You know what I love about Windows? They listen to their customers and users
  • Amazing! Best File manager ever!
  • I would humbly ask the developers to develop "album art" for windows phone 8.1.........
  • Podcasts are played using Music App! I have lots of podcasts which I had copied over from my PC. I know that my phone correctly identifies them as podcasts because they play with no problem when using the built-in Podcast app, but when I launch them from Files it uses the built-in Music app. This is a real shame because I really like the operation of the forward-back buttons in the Podcast app.
  • Good, basic file manager. Like being able to move files from Phone to SD now without having to cable up to PC. For future a look a file properties would be useful. For example, yesterday I installed the latest Play To app which now works with with 8.1 and my Toshiba TV but this TV is very picky about file types it will play over DNLA and although all of my WP8.1 photos have a .jpg file type extension for some reason some would not play giving a file type error. It would have been great to have been able to check the file properties to see what going on.
  • There should be an attribute or file lock feature in official file manager
  • Noice!
  • Files works fine as a file manager in my Lumia 952. Moving and copying files and navigation up in the folder structure are implemented well. Sharing works well as it should, also to OneDrive. Sorting is a nice feature also properties for folders. I would like to have OneDrive as one source on the top level like Phone and SD card. Also properties of files would be welcomed. I could open and view files in a zip file. What I do not like is that the app jumps to the top level after sharing instead od staying in the folder, where sharing was done.  
  • Good day for windows phone
  • Isn't it possible to download files from one drive or e-mail attachments to you phone and chose a folder? I think that is really bad. I hoped this would be possible now or am I doing something wrong
  • You're doing nothing wrong. It's a limitation for now. I hope Microsoft will remove it asap.
  • Looks pretty cool. I am not one of those who have been clamoring for a file manager, but I am sure that I will find a use (or several) for it.
  • I downloaded "Files" on my secondary Lumia 520, its works flawless. Its fast, fluid, clean and fully functional. I must say im impressed with theapp in comparison to my paid File Manage via MS Store. 
  • Add zip/rar feature to files please.
  • I don't understand why they didn't call it "Explorer"...
  • While I'm happy they released this for those that wanted, I don't see much point in it now for mu 920. I can see where this will come in handy if WP replaces RT or phones with SD.
  • █▄█.█▀█.▀█▀
    █▀█.█▄█. █
  • Love it
  • So, not available in the UK?
  • Working on 1020, UK
  • Just pin your playlist, way faster that way
  • Where are my PDFs? They're not shown in the app
  • They are working fine in Files app. It asks me what app should I open the files with.
  • No use for it yet. Maybe once MS allows me to download my music from SkyDrive to phone.
  • I can't install it in my Lumia 520 8.0 and I'm from Philippines. I wonder if it is just my phone or my region. Can anyone answer me please??
  • I guess It's just for wp 8.1
  • Get Windows Phone 8.1 bro, nothing to do with 520...
  • judging by the fact that whatsapp just updated their app yesterday giving us features that ios and android has had for the past 236 years, and watching this ''files'' app coming up now, while i was playing music and  the app closed by itself all of a sudden, i came to the conclusion that windows phone sucks ass..never thought i would come to this statement but i cant wait to buy an iphone and have a smartphone with a quality feature-rich os.
  • Never too late, my friend. In next 236 years there'll be nothing called iOS or Android.
  • i dont think ima be alive for that matter, might as well enjoy them while they exist :D
  • Ha ha ha iPhone.. U mean costliest piece of shit just for showoff
    No Bluetooth transfer to non apple device
    No file manager
    No SD card support
    No downloading possible from safari
    No background downloading possible even in 3rd party apps
    & all this after releasing so many iOS updates n 5 phones ( which r like brothers)
    Get a reality check frnd..
  • You may add, No wireless charging
    No widgets or tiles with info
    Tiny screens
    Easy to break
    No sd card
    Not water/dust resistant
    No 4K video recording Just saying, iPhone just not that good anymore.
  • and with all those ''flaws'' you pointed out, the iphone still has better support  than windows phone, moves smoother than windows phone in every app... AND u can call windows phone a slick os but whenever you open an app that resuming screen craps on your performance. and ive used my gf's iphone and everything runs smooth like butter, no resuming screens no nothing, you open and app the the app opens, you open the music player and it opens and shows your songs, not a fucking loading screen right after a black screen, no reality check needed. i recognise a good os when i see it and putting all the ''downloading'' things aside, ios beats windows phone in every aspect from my perspective
  •  iphone still has better support  than windows phone One of my friend bought an original new iPhone from flipkart (most reputed online store in india) with warranty. Now th speaker of the phone didn't work. He tried to contact flipkart, they said to contact in apple store and show the warranty receipt. He did and apple responded, "Sorry, we don't cover warranty purcahsed via e-commerce" and guess what? It can't be repaired anywhere else. It never happens with WP. I got my Lumia 520 repaired twice. AND u can call windows phone a slick os but whenever you open an app that resuming screen craps on your performance That "Resuming screen" occurs only if you don't re-open an app for a long time minimized. It saves you performance for the app you're currently using, unlike Android or iOS. That's why its fluid. ios beats windows phone in every aspect from my perspective Yes, with YOUR perspective. And believe it or not, like someone else said above, iphone is just for showoff. There's no valid reason to choose it over WP except the app ecosystem. Which is, however, getting better eveyday in WP store with almost all official apps already available. If you told you would use an android but not iOS, i won't argue. Android is known for its "freedom" to do anything with it. Mostly, for users who want pirated items. But iPhone doesn't make any sense.
  • I miss the onedrive integration, should take note. Sure that 3rd party apps got it. It's fine.
  • How do I view the files received by the phone through Bluetooth?
  • Go to files,select your storage (sd or phone) pictures, saved pictures
  • I wasn't asking about picture files, I was asking about just any file with any extension. When I transfer an exe file, for example, it just gets lost in the phone and doesn't appear in Files. I'd like the file I received through bluetooth to appear in phone storage, which it doesn't.
  • Moved few of my images using ms files, now they are gone from the pictures hub.....weird :-/
  • Way too much faster and awesome than aerize explorer. I can wp get lot better day by day. Thanks MS-WP team and WPcentral team for notification.. Keep up the good work
  • Wait a min. How do I select a whole folder and moved it to different location. Can't seem to figure it out. Is it even possible?
  • That feature is missing (the "Move to" icon is grayed out). Hope the feature will be added in the next update.
  • Good. Now we need Microsoft to enable background downloading for third party apps!
  • When will official update of windows 8.1 be available?
  • End of June. Since its carrier driven, maybe July or August.
  • WhatsApp and File Manager!
    Faith in Windows Phone restored
  • Finally the first OS to have an official file manager..
    Not a perfect one but I am not complaining coz m happy just to see it in store.
    May be till 2045 iOS to will have similar thing.
    Cheers.
  • Still trying to figure out a use for file manager. WhatsApp, still useless to me. Got facebook messenger and skype.
  • Out of context here, But can I tag someone on fb in IE11 ??
    ps:ain't using 8.1.
  • Out of context here, But can I tag someone on fb in IE11 ??
    ps:ain't using 8.1.
  • No
  • I will stay with "Pocket File Manager" because: - OneDrive is integrated - The interface is nicer than the Metro interface of "Files"
  • NOW I CAN EASILY ACCESS MY EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS, I HAVE 200 VISUAL BASIC TUTORIAL VIDEOS ON MY PHONE, I WAS A PAIN IN THE A** TO QUICKLY GET TO THE VIDEO WHICH I WOULD WANT TO WATCH. I HAD PUT THEM IN FOLDERS OF 50 BUT IN THE VIDEO APP ON THE PHONE , THEY ARE JUST LISTED, NO FAST WAY OF GETING TO THE VIDEOS IN THE MIDDLE, JUST LISTED 1 TO 200 PLUS THOSE I HAVE TAKEN (IN CAMERA ROLL)
  • It's very good file manager but it lacks some features: 1. Open music file in the Musichub which i can reach next songs without leaving the open window 2. Like the music, photos should be opened in the Photohub also which i can scroll to the next photos easily without returning to the manager folder ! 3. Good UI, it is a very simple bad design ...  Thanks
  • I'm sure they'll get there. This is there first official File Manager our feedback is important.
  • I will be using the "Files" app definitely, every one I purchased or used free crashed alot or missed alot of files and functions.
  • Hopefully they make the same app for Windows 81/RT. Accessing local files from OneDrive app is a bit counter-intuitive.
  • For some reason, I haven't been able to download the app. When I try to, it just says pending and there I no progress whatsoever
  • The 'mark multiple files' by touching the left edge of the file is missing!!!
  • It is showing NOT AVAILABLE FOR YOUR DEVICE. why?
  • What about sharing media with whatsapp using the new file manager ???
  • Can't even install it.  My OS version shows 8.10.12382.878 and Phone Update says it's the latest.  But when I try to install, it tells me "Attention required. Tap here."  Then it says "There is a problem completing your request. Try again later.  Inquiring minds may find this error code helpful: 805a01a0"  That error code turns up practically no info online.  Tried restarting the phone, still no luck.  Great job MS!
  • Have one seen the version number for files? It shows 2014. Something
  • why can't we install apps from the "files" like android pls develop this type of action in windows phone
  • Shows 99 files under music when I only have 12 songs on my phone ?
  • -_- NOT AVAILABLE IN 1020 
  • I noticed on files that when you open a word document, it uses the office 2010 icon