Unhappy with the Windows file manager? So you may be interested in knowing an alternative of which there are not many: filesan interesting project due to the proposal that it manages and that has just released a new version, so it is a good time to remember its existence, in case it has escaped you until now.
Because the truth is that we have already covered Files before. A couple of years ago we dedicated this article to it in depth, reviewing all its virtues. An article that I invite you to read if you are interested in the matter because I am not going to repeat it all over again, but I will add something: since then I have used it and I can confirm that everything corresponds to what was said.
Just in case, here’s a quick summary: Files en an open source file manager for windows designed for Windows 11, but that you can also use in Windows 10. Among its main features, tab support stands out, something that Windows itself has lacked until recently and that is only available in Windows 11. However, the implementation oficial is still a bit fair and yes, Files does it better.
Up to here a very summarized summary of what Files v2 brought almost a couple of years ago. In this time they have released four versions with different new features that I will also summarize to bring us up to date: general support improvements (for example, support for ARM64, for symbolic links, for different storage services and file synchronization in the cloud, for create new archives, to extract encrypted archives…), new features such as labels, compact view, batch actions in the conflicts dialog (for example, to rename files), improvements in the display of available storage, slight redesigns and cosmetic tweaks, but also practical, a multitude of optimizations and corrections…
All this is what Files brought in its following versions, from 2.1 to 2.4. Now just introduced files 2.5 And, of course, you don’t arrive empty-handed. In fact, among its main novelties is one that lovers of the aesthetics of Windows 11 will really like, and that is that -even though the aesthetics of Files has always been at an excellent level- the application resumes the use of Acrylic material , technology linked to the design language of Microsoft Fluent Design.
In essence, this change allows an adaptation of the application that goes beyond the color of the wallpaper that is set by means of dynamic transparencies that adapt to the elements on the screen (whatever is placed after Files, is understood), as you can see in the screenshot on these lines compared to the one above. If you don’t like the change, you can go back to the previous engine in the Files options, based on Mica material.
Other new features in Files 2.5 include gesture navigationaccessible a priori both with the mouse or the touch panel and on devices with a touch screen; git support for the management of software repositories, something specific for developers; and integration with SeerPro, a popular quick file preview app in the style of macOS QuickLook; changes to the preview and details panels and batch metadata editing, as well as fixes.
Interested in giving Files a try to see first hand if it’s worth it? You have it on the official download page, but be careful, because the first link will direct you to the Microsoft Store, where it costs 8.99 euros (with that you contribute to the project), just below is the download of the development version and in a tiny link a little further down, there is the classic installer, free and without limitations.
