This modern file explorer for Windows 10 just got even better with its latest update

By Sean Endicott
published

This gorgeous modern file explorer just got more functional, thanks to its latest update.

Files Modern Explorer Lede 4
Files Modern Explorer Lede 4 (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Files just received an update to version 1.5.
  • The update includes several improvements and new features, including adaptive layout modes.

Files, previously known as Files UWP, is a beautiful third-party modern file explorer for Windows 10. I've followed its development for quite some time, and it's recently been updated to version 1.5. The update adds several new features, including adaptive layout modes, the ability to collapse the sidebar, and much more.

Here's a look at everything that's new in version 1.5, as found on its GitHub page:

  • F1 shortcut now opens the Files Wiki (#3647)
  • Added collapsible sections to the sidebar (#3661)
  • Added the ability to add the Home directory as a startup page (#3715)
  • Added a WSL section to the sidebar (#3782)
  • Added a library section to the sidebar (#3761)
  • Made some enhancements to the bundles widget (#3637)
  • Added adaptive layout modes (#3526)
  • Added support for custom themes (#3890)
  • Added the option to drag items between bundles (#3901)
  • Added ability to launch Files with relative paths from command line (#3877)
  • Added folder previews to the preview pane (#3773)
  • Added the option to close tabs to the right (#3929)
  • Added support for collapsing the sidebar (#3895)
  • Moved selection and layout options to toolbar (#4135)
  • Improved windowing/tab behavior when launching Files though different methods (#3854)
  • Added the ability to pin folders to the start menu (#4059)
  • Added the option to delete items as administrator (#4203)

Overall, the update makes the app much more capable. It still isn't as powerful as the default File Explorer on Windows 10, but each update makes it a bit more usable. If you aren't a power user, you might be able to swap over to Files. Even if you are a power user, it has some features for you, such as the option to add the WSL section to the sidebar.

Files UWP - Preview IconModern file explorer

 (opens in new tab)
Files

A gorgeous way to manage your files

This modern file explorer has tabs, a gorgeous design, and is touch and mouse-friendly. It recently received an update to version 1.5.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott brings nearly a decade of experience covering Microsoft and Windows news to Windows Central. He joined our team in 2017 as an app reviewer and now heads up our day-to-day news coverage. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com (opens in new tab).

11 Comments
  • First my Control Panel and now this... 😭
  • This is a third party app so it has no impact on you if you don't install it.
  • Read the article. You're fine.
  • Just installed the app. It kept crashing when I tried to access external HD Drives.
  • THey have released some updates and fixes. The app is now stable. It is designed very well, with some fluent features. Very amazing app.
  • I wished that the developer will get noticed by Microsoft and recreate the app for new UWP File Explorer which is currently in Windows 10X which is pretty much barren. A glorified OneDrive app, but less. This 3rd-party file manager app is far more feature-filled than the one in Windows 10X. It just needs better reliability, squash bugs and bit faster (though it may be the limitation of what were allowed for UWP at the moment, unless it become a system app).
  • This is the one I use, love me the dual pane :) https://jptgamesandapps.github.io/ShresthaFiles/
  • The reason i still use the official explorer is just Windows+E. Is there any way to replace it with this?
  • But does it have new icons? That's important.
  • It does not have the new Fluent UI design or icons
  • It has fluent design. And better icons.