With the soft chime of an auto-updater and the collective sigh of Windows power users everywhere, Files—hands-down the darling among File Explorer replacements—just got a little shinier, more flexible, and a shade more irresistible with its version 3.9.7 update.
Let’s face it: for years, navigating Windows File Explorer has felt like trudging through the same old dusty office corridor, clutching manila folders you’re only half convinced contain what you’re looking for. Enter Files, the alternative File Explorer that’s become the secret handshake among Windows enthusiasts and tinkerers who demand a modern, customizable file management experience. While this latest update doesn't reinvent the digital wheel, it certainly does slap on a fresh set of racing stripes and a GPS that actually understands the map.
Version 3.9.7 may not come with whiz-bang fireworks or headline-grabbing overhauls, but it brings with it that crucial polish so many apps never seem to achieve. The focus is clear: give users more ways to make the app their own, solve a few long-standing “Why doesn’t this just work?” complaints, and remind the world why third-party developers are basically holding up the spirit of Windows customization by themselves.
Think about it: release notes are finally treated as an event, not just a formality. IT administrators and power users can now see exactly what's changed without embarking on a scavenger hunt. For those of us who have ever fumbled through cryptic change logs or scrolled endlessly through forums hoping someone else would summarize things, this is a delightful hint at a world where software actually wants you to know what’s happening. Imagine a future where even Windows Update takes cues from this—dare I dream?
The UI design gods must be beaming. This is the kind of thoughtful friction-reducing touch that defines modern user experiences. It prevents head-scratching confusion, and, perhaps, makes us appreciate how easily well-considered details can transform frustration into a quick “Oh, that’s helpful.” Will I miss the existential dread of staring into digital emptiness? Probably not.
Who couldn’t use another rabbit hole to disappear into during an otherwise dull workday? Not only does this expose the gritty underbelly for the power users longing for even more customization, but it actually nudges average users to learn a little about what the app is really doing under the hood. It’s empowering—dangerous, sure, but gloriously so, reminiscent of those moments when you first discovered God Mode in Windows.
This (deceptively simple) tweak reflects an underlying philosophy: respect what users want, not just what the developer thinks they need. Is it a revolution? No. Is it a smart move that will have people high-fiving their monitors? Possibly—especially those whose job descriptions involve wrestling with hundreds of gigabytes daily. Microsoft, pen in hand, are you taking notes?
Let’s be honest, ZIP file headaches remain one of the final frontiers in user frustration, right up there with printers and Bluetooth headsets that inexplicably disconnect. Watching as Files sidesteps encoding chaos while still offering manual control is a classic “we heard you, now we fixed it” move. For sysadmins, this is one less fire to put out at 4:59 p.m. on a Friday.
UTF-8 is the lingua franca for modern character encoding. Seeing Files go here by default is not only pragmatic, it's a subtle reminder that sometimes open standards really are the way forward—especially when Microsoft drags its feet.
Before Microsoft even dipped a toe into tabbed browsing for its venerable File Explorer, Files was already living in the world of tabs, sorting options, and tagging. While Microsoft treads cautiously, shackled by legacy needs and a mammoth user base, independent developers like Yair are painting a portrait of what a Windows app could actually be—modern, daring, and pleasing to use.
Is there an irony here? Absolutely. Microsoft built the path, but Files is the Ferrari blazing a trail, windows down, wind in its hair, and user requests stacked in the back.
The real-world implications? IT departments desperate for productivity gains, remote teams craving consistency, and even hobbyists itching for some power without the PowerShell learning curve all win here. The only downside: explaining to users why the built-in File Explorer isn’t as smart or as flexible, and resisting the urge to wave this latest update in Microsoft’s face at every town hall.
And let’s not forget: the zeal and speed at which Files iterates often means you’ll see both the benefits—and occasionally, the glitches—before the mainstream. If you like living on the bleeding edge in pursuit of a smoother, smarter workflow, step right up.
For all those IT pros who’ve stopped believing in desktop innovation, Files stands as a sparkling counterargument. If nothing else, it’s proof that even in the shadow of giants, nimble indies can not only survive but lead the charge.
Microsoft, bless its committees, will catch up eventually. Maybe. Until then, we have Files, an app that actually listens, updates often, and doesn’t treat its settings like a state secret. That’s not just refreshing—it’s revolutionary.
Still, for the millions who want sharper, smarter file management—and who know that little tweaks make a world of difference on a workflow—they’ll find in Files exactly what Windows should be striving for: an open, dynamic, endlessly improving window into their digital world.
As Windows users everywhere fire up their updated Files app for the first time, the message rings clear: innovation, like a well-set context menu, often starts on the fringe—and sometimes, just sometimes, it’s the best seat in the house.
Source: inkl My favorite File Explorer replacement just got better
The Files App Grows Up (Again, and Gracefully)
Let’s face it: for years, navigating Windows File Explorer has felt like trudging through the same old dusty office corridor, clutching manila folders you’re only half convinced contain what you’re looking for. Enter Files, the alternative File Explorer that’s become the secret handshake among Windows enthusiasts and tinkerers who demand a modern, customizable file management experience. While this latest update doesn't reinvent the digital wheel, it certainly does slap on a fresh set of racing stripes and a GPS that actually understands the map.Version 3.9.7 may not come with whiz-bang fireworks or headline-grabbing overhauls, but it brings with it that crucial polish so many apps never seem to achieve. The focus is clear: give users more ways to make the app their own, solve a few long-standing “Why doesn’t this just work?” complaints, and remind the world why third-party developers are basically holding up the spirit of Windows customization by themselves.
Release Notes With a Dash of Daring—No More Dialogs in the Dark
Historically, release notes in most software applications have been about as exciting as listening to someone read out loud the terms and conditions in a monotone voice. Files, however, now dedicates an entire tab to its release notes, automatically displayed after every update.Think about it: release notes are finally treated as an event, not just a formality. IT administrators and power users can now see exactly what's changed without embarking on a scavenger hunt. For those of us who have ever fumbled through cryptic change logs or scrolled endlessly through forums hoping someone else would summarize things, this is a delightful hint at a world where software actually wants you to know what’s happening. Imagine a future where even Windows Update takes cues from this—dare I dream?
Sidebar Zen: Placeholder Content for an Empty State
You hide all the sections in your sidebar—on purpose or maybe by accident—expecting the dreaded blank vacuum or (worse) a crash. Instead, Files now rewards you with helpful, context-sensitive placeholder content.The UI design gods must be beaming. This is the kind of thoughtful friction-reducing touch that defines modern user experiences. It prevents head-scratching confusion, and, perhaps, makes us appreciate how easily well-considered details can transform frustration into a quick “Oh, that’s helpful.” Will I miss the existential dread of staring into digital emptiness? Probably not.
Right-Click Revelations: Access Your Settings with Style
The update introduces the ability to right-click the settings button, revealing a context menu complete with a shortcut to the sacred settings JSON file. For tinkerers and sysadmins, this is essentially Files’ version of giving you the keys to the kingdom.Who couldn’t use another rabbit hole to disappear into during an otherwise dull workday? Not only does this expose the gritty underbelly for the power users longing for even more customization, but it actually nudges average users to learn a little about what the app is really doing under the hood. It’s empowering—dangerous, sure, but gloriously so, reminiscent of those moments when you first discovered God Mode in Windows.
File Sizes, Your Way: Customizing Size Formats
Sometimes you want to see your disk usage as the existential threat it truly is (e.g., in precise bytes), and sometimes you just want to know if your downloads folder is “big.” Files now lets you decide how to view file size units, directly from the Files & folders settings page.This (deceptively simple) tweak reflects an underlying philosophy: respect what users want, not just what the developer thinks they need. Is it a revolution? No. Is it a smart move that will have people high-fiving their monitors? Possibly—especially those whose job descriptions involve wrestling with hundreds of gigabytes daily. Microsoft, pen in hand, are you taking notes?
ZIP Files: Smarter, Not Harder
If you’ve ever unzipped a file only to see a parade of garbled text and mysterious symbols thanks to character encoding disasters, the new automatic encoding detection (with manual override) for ZIP extraction will feel like a personal gift from the Files developers.Let’s be honest, ZIP file headaches remain one of the final frontiers in user frustration, right up there with printers and Bluetooth headsets that inexplicably disconnect. Watching as Files sidesteps encoding chaos while still offering manual control is a classic “we heard you, now we fixed it” move. For sysadmins, this is one less fire to put out at 4:59 p.m. on a Friday.
UTF-8 ZIPs by Default: Universal Compatibility? Yes, Please
When you create a ZIP archive in Files, it’s now encoded in UTF-8 by default. Why does this matter? Because nothing ruins a morning like shipmates on a multi-OS project not being able to extract the company’s zipped quarterly reports just because someone used an emoji or a name with an accent.UTF-8 is the lingua franca for modern character encoding. Seeing Files go here by default is not only pragmatic, it's a subtle reminder that sometimes open standards really are the way forward—especially when Microsoft drags its feet.
Leading the Pack: Why Files Outpaces File Explorer
A confession from the trenches: many seasoned Windows users have followed Files’ growth more religiously than their own system updates. And it’s no wonder. The developer—Yair—has become a minor legend, not for trying to copy File Explorer, but for fearlessly racing past it.Before Microsoft even dipped a toe into tabbed browsing for its venerable File Explorer, Files was already living in the world of tabs, sorting options, and tagging. While Microsoft treads cautiously, shackled by legacy needs and a mammoth user base, independent developers like Yair are painting a portrait of what a Windows app could actually be—modern, daring, and pleasing to use.
Is there an irony here? Absolutely. Microsoft built the path, but Files is the Ferrari blazing a trail, windows down, wind in its hair, and user requests stacked in the back.
Unique Features: More Than Just a Pretty Interface
Beyond tabs, Files offers customization hooks, multiple view and sort modes, and even a tagging system that those reared on macOS will find comfortingly familiar. The combination of visual clarity, snappy performance, and a relentless pace of improvement means Files isn’t just an alternative—it’s what File Explorer could be if it was designed from scratch today.The real-world implications? IT departments desperate for productivity gains, remote teams craving consistency, and even hobbyists itching for some power without the PowerShell learning curve all win here. The only downside: explaining to users why the built-in File Explorer isn’t as smart or as flexible, and resisting the urge to wave this latest update in Microsoft’s face at every town hall.
The Risks: Living on the Third-Party Edge
Of course, even the prettiest package isn’t immune to peril. Relying on third-party replacements always involves some element of risk. Updates get paused, devs get busy, APIs change. Will Microsoft one day break everything with a surprise Windows patch? Possibly. Therein lies the dance—using tools like Files means balancing productivity now against some slightly unknown future. But for many, that’s a risk worth embracing in exchange for a daily workflow that doesn’t feel like a relic.And let’s not forget: the zeal and speed at which Files iterates often means you’ll see both the benefits—and occasionally, the glitches—before the mainstream. If you like living on the bleeding edge in pursuit of a smoother, smarter workflow, step right up.
The Undeniable Strengths: Why Files Deserves the Spotlight
Files nails the indie-app formula: responsive listening to user feedback, a willingness to rapidly adopt features users clamor for, and just enough polish to put even seasoned Windows apps to shame. It’s a masterclass in what’s possible when developers put user delight (and, let’s be honest, a bit of show-off bravado) front and center.For all those IT pros who’ve stopped believing in desktop innovation, Files stands as a sparkling counterargument. If nothing else, it’s proof that even in the shadow of giants, nimble indies can not only survive but lead the charge.
Where Files Goes That Microsoft Fears to Tread
The reality is this: File Explorer is an institution, and institutions move slowly. Microsoft is haunted by legacy users terrified of change and by enterprise commitments afraid to lose their familiar workflows. Files, free of that baggage, proves what can happen when someone actually takes a sledgehammer to old assumptions and builds for today—tabs, tagging, and all.Microsoft, bless its committees, will catch up eventually. Maybe. Until then, we have Files, an app that actually listens, updates often, and doesn’t treat its settings like a state secret. That’s not just refreshing—it’s revolutionary.
The Verdict: Should You Switch?
In the end, whether Files becomes your daily driver depends on your appetite for something fresher and a willingness to occasionally ride the update rollercoaster. Those who value modern interfaces, deep customization, and developer candor won’t look back. Those wedded to what’s built into Windows (and who never stray beyond the Start Menu) might find Files unnecessarily daring.Still, for the millions who want sharper, smarter file management—and who know that little tweaks make a world of difference on a workflow—they’ll find in Files exactly what Windows should be striving for: an open, dynamic, endlessly improving window into their digital world.
As Windows users everywhere fire up their updated Files app for the first time, the message rings clear: innovation, like a well-set context menu, often starts on the fringe—and sometimes, just sometimes, it’s the best seat in the house.
Source: inkl My favorite File Explorer replacement just got better
