You can now use this gorgeous file explorer on Windows on ARM devices

Files 2. (Image credit: Yair Aichenbaum)

What you need to know

A third-party file explorer named Files recently received an update to version 2.1.
The update adds native support for ARM64 devices and includes several other improvements and changes.
Files features a tabbed interface and is designed to look native on Windows 11.

Files, a third-party file explorer for Windows 11 and Windows 10, recently received an update to version 2.1. The update to version 2.1 isn't quite as large as the jump to version 2.0 that launched alongside Windows 11, but it does include some significant changes and improvements. The app has a redesigned settings dialog and properties window that better align with Microsoft's latest OS. Files also now natively supports ARM64 devices, such as the Surface Pro X.

Here's everything that's new with Files in version 2.1:

Redesigned the settings dialog
Redesigned the properties window
Added a hotkey for playing audio and video in the preview pane
Added a toolbar button to empty recycle bin
Set window title to be the same as the selected tab name
Added compatibility options to the properties dialog
Added Native ARM64 Support
Improved keyboard navigation in the column layout
Improved keyboard navigation in the details layout
Added support for symbolic file links
Added keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+H) to show/hide hidden files
Removed delay when loading sidebar items and other services on startup
Show network shortcuts on the sidebar
Added clear all button to ongoing tasks flyout
Mousewheel click opens a new tab at selected path
Added experimental option to show folder sizes
Added support for collapsing widgets on the homepage
Added subtle listview animation
Added option to open Files on Windows Startup
Added support for Next Cloud
Added support for Yandex.Disk
Open recycle bin & this pc shortcuts in Files when it's set as the default file manager

An experimental feature in Files allows you to set the app as your default file manager. The option is still being worked on but is "stable enough for regular use" according to the app's developer. If you're already using Files as your default file manager, you should switch the option off and then back on to improve the feature's stability.

This weekend I helped port over the incredible @FilesForWindows app to ARM64 without any x86/x64 component left! App runs so much faster. Pull request is done and is waiting for merge. Also got a nice .NET 6 upgrade for the broker. All tested on a 950 XL pic.twitter.com/xEO7xPMAcKThis weekend I helped port over the incredible @FilesForWindows app to ARM64 without any x86/x64 component left! App runs so much faster. Pull request is done and is waiting for merge. Also got a nice .NET 6 upgrade for the broker. All tested on a 950 XL pic.twitter.com/xEO7xPMAcK— Gustave Monce (@gus33000) November 14, 2021 November 14, 2021

While Files is built for Windows PCs, developer Gustave Monce managed to get it to run on a Lumia 950.

The update is already live in the Microsoft Store. You can also download files through GitHub.

Files

Modern file explorer

Files is a third-party file explorer that's built to work with touch or a mouse and keyboard. Its recent update adds native support for ARM64 devices and redesigns several of its elements.

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.