My favorite File Explorer alternative just got better, but you won’t see the biggest addition in its change log
Google Drive now works better on the third-party file explorer “Files.”
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What you need to know
The Windows 11 File Explorer is fine. Functional and consistent, Microsoft’s app for file management has been around for ages. But File Explorer lacks some pizzazz. If you want a modern file management experience, you need to look at third-party alternatives. One option is the Files app, which I’ve covered for years. It’s my favorite File Explorer alternative, thanks to its modern design, feature set, and development path. A recent update to Files adds some handy fixes noted in its change log, plus one change not mentioned anywhere.
The most recent update to Files brings the app to version 3.7. Theapp’s change logoutlines additions, such as an optional toolbar button to navigate to home and the option to hide the System Tray icon. The developers of Files also refactor the app’s code for detecting Google Drive, which should result in a better experience. That change isn’t noted in the release page of Files, but the developer shared it with me recently.
Google Drive has been an excellent cloud storage solution for years. It’s received a bit of extra attention in the Windows space lately since Google announced the app willcome to Snapdragon-powered PCs later this year. Google Drive is very popular, so its absence on Windows on Arm PCs was a deal breaker for many.
Files | $8.99 at Microsoft Store|Free at GitHub
This third-party file management app has a fresh design and several features not available in Microsoft’s first-party File Explorer.
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Files v3.7
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
