Windows 11’s best File Explorer alternative was just updated with even more usability improvements and fixes
Files v3.1 makes Windows 11’s File Explorer better by adding a system tray icon and smart archive feature, as well as several fixes.
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What you need to know
Microsoft launchedWindows 11more than two years ago. Since then, the company has shipped a ton of updates and features to the operating system to improve its overall user experience and potentially get users totransition from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
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Itsadoption rate has been slowdue to several reasons, includingflaws in its design(particularly the Start menu, File Explorer, and other elements). Consequently, this has led to an increased number of third-party software designed to add a bit of flavor to these elements. It’s worth noting that Microsoft is actively looking into making Windows 11’s design better. Windows lead Mikhail Parakhin recently announced that the company isworking on a fix for the most annoying things with the Start menu in Windows 11.
Stardock’s Start11is notoriously good at making up for the somewhat lackluster Start menu on Windows 11. The same goes forthe Files app, which serves as the best File Explorer alternative for Windows 11.
READ MORE:How to get started with the Files app in Windows 11
According to a spot byNeowin, the Files app just received a major update, bumping it to version 3.1. The update ships with a plethora of nifty features, including a system tray icon designed to indicate that the app is running in the background and a smart archive extract feature, which will help select the best mode for extracting your archives.
Files App |$8.99 at Microsoft Store
This third-party file explorer has many features people have requested for years from the built-in File Explorer on Windows. It has tabs, a column view, a file preview, and a customizable interface.
What’s new in the Files App v3.1?
Here’s the full changelog for the release:
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Other notable changes and fixes
Speaking of File Explorer in Windows 11,Microsoft could potentially bring its AI-powered assistant, Copilot to the app. This was after a code labeled “CopilotFEContextMenu” was recently discovered, alluding to an integration between Copilot and File Explorer.
Are you a fan of Windows 11’s File Explorer app?Share with us what you hate or like most about the platform in the comments.
Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.
