SoftNexi

Windows · File Management

Files for Windows

Open-source, modern file manager for Windows built as a community alternative to Explorer, with tabs, cloud drive integration, and a Fluent design interface.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Files (sometimes called Files App or Files UWP/WinUI, distinct from any file manager of the same generic name on other platforms) is an open-source file manager for Windows built by a community of contributors and distributed through GitHub and the Microsoft Store. It uses modern WinUI/Fluent Design styling that more closely matches current Windows visual language than Explorer itself in places.

It focuses on quality-of-life features layered on top of familiar single-window, tabbed browsing: tabs, a customizable layout, cloud drive detection (OneDrive, Google Drive, and others when installed), a built-in compression/extraction tool, tagging, and dual-pane support for side-by-side folder views.

Being open source and free, it fills a niche between Explorer's minimalism and paid tools like Directory Opus — useful for people who want a modernized, tabbed file browser without adopting a full dual-pane power-user workflow or paying a license fee.

As a community project, development pace and feature stability can vary between releases more than with long-established commercial tools, so users who need rock-solid daily reliability should weigh that against its polish and price.

Key features

  • Tabbed browsing with a Fluent Design/WinUI interface
  • Optional dual-pane view for side-by-side folders
  • Built-in archive creation and extraction
  • Detects and lists connected cloud storage drives
  • File tagging and customizable layout/columns
  • Open-source codebase available for community review

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit)
Distribution
Available via the Microsoft Store or the project's GitHub releases

How to install Files

  1. 1. Choose a distribution channel

    Install from the Microsoft Store for automatic updates, or download a package from the project's GitHub releases page.

  2. 2. Launch and set defaults

    Open Files and, if desired, set it as your default file manager shortcut or pin it to the taskbar.

  3. 3. Enable dual-pane if wanted

    Use the layout options to split the window into two panes for side-by-side folder browsing.

How to use it

  1. 1. Use tabs for multiple folders

    Open new tabs with Ctrl+T to keep several folders accessible without opening separate windows.

  2. 2. Extract an archive

    Right-click a ZIP or supported archive and use the built-in extract option instead of installing a separate archiver.

  3. 3. Tag files

    Apply tags to files or folders to group related items across different locations by tag rather than by folder alone.

Safety and privacy

  • We link only to the project's own site and its official Microsoft Store and GitHub release channels.
  • Being open source, the source code is publicly available for review by anyone.
Bundled software
No third-party bundling in the official Store listing or GitHub releases.
Privacy
Runs locally; cloud-drive detection reads what is already configured on your system rather than requiring its own account.

Known risks

  • As a community project, releases can change or remove features between versions more often than in long-established commercial tools.

What's new

  • Community release series

    The project ships frequent community-driven updates. Check the project's GitHub releases or Microsoft Store page for the current version and change log.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Modern Fluent Design interface that feels current on Windows 11
  • Tabs and optional dual-pane view in one lightweight tool
  • Built-in archive support without extra software

Cons

  • Less mature and less consistently maintained than commercial dual-pane tools
  • Smaller plugin/extension ecosystem than Total Commander or Directory Opus
  • Feature set and stability can shift between community releases

Verdict

Files is a worthwhile free upgrade over Explorer for users who want tabs, a modern look, and light dual-pane support without paying for a power-user tool. Those who need rock-solid, plugin-rich dual-pane workflows are better served by Total Commander or Directory Opus.

Frequently asked questions

Is Files (the file manager) free?

Yes, it is free and open source, distributed via the Microsoft Store and GitHub.

Is Files the same as Windows File Explorer?

No. Files is a separate, community-built, open-source application designed as a modernized alternative to Explorer, not a Microsoft product.

Does Files support dual-pane browsing?

Yes, it offers an optional dual-pane layout for viewing two folders side by side.