Files App

Files App is a file document manager that provides Windows PC users with significantly expanded capability in its built-in file manager, as well as a wide range of sophisticated capabilities that can accelerate daily processes and allow anyone to raise their productivity. 

• The tabbed design allows you to easily switch between numerous folders and destinations. 
• Details layout: See detailed information about your files, such as size, date edited, and more. 
• Grid layout: Display your files in a grid format for simple browsing and searching. 

What is the Files app for PC? 

Files is a modern file manager that allows you to easily arrange your files and directories. It was created and is maintained by the open-source community, and its design features useful tags, extensive integrations, and robust multitasking capabilities. 

Over the last five years, the developers have worked to create a fully featured file manager, with the goal of making it the greatest file manager available for Windows. Originally created with UWP, the manager now takes advantage of Microsoft's latest capabilities and UI frameworks via WinAppSdk. 

This open-source application, which offers greater multitasking, a better listing of tags and information, deep system integration, and a streamlined user interface, transforms the basic file management visual motif found in the basic Windows file manager into a more capable tool. 

The fundamental feature of Files App is an improvement in multitasking, which is accomplished through the use of tabs, a dual pane layout, and improved file and folder previews, all of which allow users of all skill levels to manage their local and even remote files more quickly. 

The app includes FTP compatibility and connectors with many prominent cloud hosting providers, allowing remote storage destinations such as Google Drive, One Drive, and iCloud to be linked into a single file management environment. The app also includes streamlined tab support, which can not only significantly speed up file handling but also assist remove a considerable amount of clutter from desktop surfaces. 

It also includes support for keyboard shortcuts, improved file preview (not simply metadata surfacing, but also the ability to actively preview photographs and even playback video files!), full integration of tags for marking files and folders, and much more. Overall, Files software offers a significant enhancement of the capabilities found in File Explorer, the basic file management software included with all contemporary versions of Windows OS (Windows 10 and 11). 

In addition to add-ons aimed at improving daily file management, the Files Desktop App features some noticeable cosmetic modifications. The program supports not just Dark mode, which reduces eye strain at night, but also Themes, which users can modify. 

What's New?

• The layout picker has been revamped to improve both appearances and functionality.
• A slider has been added to the Details, List, Grid, and Columns views to allow you to alter item size.
• Icons on the home page, tabs, and left sidebar now have proper DPI support.
• I added a shimmer motion to indicate that larger thumbnails are loading.
• Allows for seamless continuing from where you left off, even after Windows restarts.
• Incorporated WinAppSdk 1.5 into the project.
• I renamed the "Favorites" area in the sidebar to “Pinned.”
• I added a header to make the home page more visually appealing.
• Simplified terminology by replacing 'Layout mode' with ‘Layout.’
• On the about page, we've included a link to our Discord server.
• A credential prompt has been implemented for users who are denied access to network shares.
• Added a new options page for handling layout preferences.
• Added support for opening and extracting mrpack files.
• The icon placeholder for web shortcuts has been replaced with the new shimmer animation.
• Transitions during item loading have been removed from the Grid View and List View layouts to improve the user experience.

PROS

• Enhanced functionality with advanced features
• Open-source and community-maintained
• Robust multitasking experiences and helpful tags
• Deep integrations with popular cloud hosting services
• Streamlined user interface and support for keyboard shortcuts
• Customizable themes and support for dark mode

CONS

• May require some time to learn all the advanced features and capabilities
• Automated updates only available through Microsoft Store package

Conclusion

The Files App is provided online in two ways: as an automatic installer that can be easily downloaded and deployed on any modern desktop or laptop PC, and as a Microsoft Store package that allows PC users to benefit from store-managed automated upgrades.