Windows 11 users, let’s face it – Microsoft's native File Explorer, while functional, can feel like an old T-shirt: reliable but lacking style, innovation, and, let’s be honest, that spark. It’s serviceable for everyday tasks, but often falls short for power users and those craving modern design and advanced functionality. That’s where a third-party app like “Files” steps into the picture. And boy, has it delivered a game-changing update: Version 3.9. Let’s dive deep into why this deserves your attention.
For the uninitiated, Files is a third-party File Explorer alternative for Windows 11 that promises a sleek, feature-rich experience. Think of it as giving your file management system the glow-up it desperately needs. With its customizable interface, tabs akin to modern web browsers, tag-based organization, and advanced viewing options, Files has been filling the gaps Microsoft’s File Explorer left wide open. In Version 3.9, the app takes things up a notch (or ten). Let’s explore what’s new.
You can even drag files directly from "Recent Files" widgets or onto sidebar tags to organize them faster than ever.
Here’s the kicker: It’s available for $8.99 on the Microsoft Store. Considering the dozens of improvements and long-standing fixes this update provides, that price might as well be a steal for the sheer productivity gains it offers.
So, will you take the plunge and build your Windows 11 ecosystem around Files? Let us know your thoughts in the forum below. Have you already tested Version 3.9? We’d love to hear what features stand out most to you!
Source: Windows Central My favorite Windows 11 File Explorer alternative just got its biggest update in years
Wait, What Is "Files"?
For the uninitiated, Files is a third-party File Explorer alternative for Windows 11 that promises a sleek, feature-rich experience. Think of it as giving your file management system the glow-up it desperately needs. With its customizable interface, tabs akin to modern web browsers, tag-based organization, and advanced viewing options, Files has been filling the gaps Microsoft’s File Explorer left wide open. In Version 3.9, the app takes things up a notch (or ten). Let’s explore what’s new.The Rockstar Features of Files 3.9
The latest update to Files is a smorgasbord of quality-of-life improvements, fresh designs, and performance boosts. Here are all the juicy details you need to know:1. Say Hello to Cards View: Your Metadata HQ
The flagship feature in this update is the Cards View layout, which replaces the old Tiles View. This view is a metadata lover’s dream. Each file now displays:- Standard details such as thumbnail, file type, and size.
- Context-specific properties: Images show dimensions, media files display durations, and connected phones/tablets indicate storage details.
- Cloud integration shines as the view highlights file tags and sync statuses for cloud drives (like OneDrive or Google Drive).
2. Thumbnails and DPI Awareness FTW
High-resolution icons and thumbnails? Yes, please. Files 3.9 introduces DPI-aware icons across its various views (Cards, Columns, and Lists). Whether you're on a 4K display or a quirky ultrawide screen, your files' thumbnails and visual elements will look crisp and not like a stretched '90s meme.3. Drag-and-Drop Nirvana
One standout usability improvement is that Files now does something that Microsoft’s File Explorer fails at: staying in the background when dragging items to a different app. No more juggling windows like a digital acrobat. This is essential for workflows involving apps like Photoshop, Premiere, or even just PowerPoint.You can even drag files directly from "Recent Files" widgets or onto sidebar tags to organize them faster than ever.
4. Custom Shortcut Names
The days of renaming shortcuts after you create them are gone. Files 3.9 lets you assign custom shortcut names right at creation. It’s a small but mighty improvement that saves time and reduces frustration – particularly for those working across dozens of directories.Performance Enhancements and Bug Fixes
What's an update without some much-needed tweaks to run things faster and smoother? Here’s what Files nailed:- Faster Breadcrumb Navigation: Breadcrumb flyouts (the nifty dropdown menu that expands directory paths) now load as soon as you hover over them. Lazy thumbnails within these spaces reduce the app’s memory footprint and make navigation zippy.
- Startup Fixes Galore: If you’ve ever wrestled with Files sluggishly opening after a session with a bloated recycle bin (are we all hoarders?) or the app freezing during launch, you’ll appreciate this—startup freezes and crashes are resolved, giving you quicker access to your workflow.
- Cloud Drive Integration: Issues with Google Drive are now history. Additionally, Lucid Link v3 support is included for professionals using advanced sync services.
Powering Up: UI Improvements
The user interface (UI) continues to get its fair share of love in Version 3.9:- Updated Home Page: Cleanliness is next to godliness, and the updated layout removes redundant toolbar areas, providing a sharper look.
- Tags Widget Redesign: Drag-and-drop functionality to tag files is now integrated, while the widget itself aligns better with the app’s refined aesthetic.
- Redesigned Updates Button: The toolbar button for fetching app updates is now vibrant and accented in color, making it more prominent in the toolbar.
The Underrated MVP: Archive Support
For anyone dealing with compressed files, the ability to set Files as the default app for opening.gz archives (and similar formats) is a welcome addition. Since their recent integration of 7-Zip dependencies, opening archive formats like .zip, .rar, .tar.gz, and others is significantly faster and more seamless.Why Should Windows Users Care?
You might wonder, “Why bother with another File Explorer when the Windows one does the basics?” Here’s why:- Tab Support Done Right: Unlike Windows File Explorer’s basic tab functionality, Files supports robust and highly customizable tabs. Each tab can even have its individual settings—like sort order or column visibility.
- Modern Design: Did Microsoft pay for a new suit for File Explorer? No. But Files delivers clean, sharp aesthetics that feel natural in Windows 11’s rounded-corner ecosystem.
- Big Productivity Gains: Remember, time is money. Tasks like organizing files, viewing metadata, or interacting with cloud storage are considerably quicker with Files.
Final Thoughts: The Future of File Management on Windows 11
While Microsoft has taken baby steps to improve the native File Explorer, it’s clear that third-party tools like Files fill an important void. The 3.9 update isn’t just an upgrade for the app—it feels like a love letter to power users who’ve outgrown Windows’ built-in tools. Whether you’re a file organization fanatic, a cloud storage user, or someone who just wants a drag-and-drop experience that works, Files deserves a spot in your app roster.Here’s the kicker: It’s available for $8.99 on the Microsoft Store. Considering the dozens of improvements and long-standing fixes this update provides, that price might as well be a steal for the sheer productivity gains it offers.
So, will you take the plunge and build your Windows 11 ecosystem around Files? Let us know your thoughts in the forum below. Have you already tested Version 3.9? We’d love to hear what features stand out most to you!
Source: Windows Central My favorite Windows 11 File Explorer alternative just got its biggest update in years
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