{
  "id": 19714416,
  "title": "I replaced Windows File Explorer with a free open-source alternative, and Microsoft has some catching up to do",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/i-replaced-windows-file-explorer-with-a-free-open-source-alternative",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-12T21:30:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/replace-windows-file-explorer-with-a-free-open-source-alternative/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Microsoft's Windows File Explorer is an ongoing work in progress, with improvements being made to the native tool in the Windows 11 operating system. While these updates are a welcome addition, it can be challenging to continue using File Explorer when there are third-party alternatives offering exciting features and an overall better experience. One such open-source alternative that has become the reporter's new favorite is Files, an open-source File Manager that offers a modern take on the native File Manager app.\n\nFiles stands out from the competition due to its modern design, which is more in line with Windows 11, and its well-spaced icons, larger text, and easier-to-read labels. The app goes beyond the basics of File Explorer, providing a cleaner and more organized interface. The home page of Files features each drive and library folder icon well-spaced and surrounded by individual borders, making it visually appealing and easier to navigate.\n\nThe app offers a unique usability experience by combining both the details and preview view into a single button, allowing users to switch between them as needed. It also supports a dual-pane view for easily comparing or moving files around, which is a significant improvement over File Explorer. Although Files doesn't have a dual-pane or multi-pane view like some other file managers, it still offers a functional alternative that is better than nothing.\n\nFiles includes tags and four predefined categories for organizing files, helping users separate essential files from clutter. Additionally, it has a file filter feature that enables quick searches within specific folder locations. The Column view feature is particularly useful for navigating deeply nested folders, as it splits the folder structure into columns, making it easier to understand the folder levels without confusion.\n\nFor power users, Files offers a Command Palette that allows the execution of common actions using keyboard shortcuts. The shortcut to activate the Command Palette is Ctrl + Shift + P, and users can search for shortcuts to perform tasks such as removing files, closing current tabs, and more. Users can also customize the keyboard keys mapped to an action or add new actions from a predefined list, providing a faster and more streamlined user experience compared to File Explorer.\n\nThe app's customization options are another standout feature, allowing users to play with backgrounds, accent colors, themes, and fonts to personalize the interface according to their preferences. The settings page is a significant improvement over File Explorer's outdated Folder Options dialog, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly interface for tweaking the app's appearance and behavior.\n\nIn conclusion, while Microsoft has been working towards improving Windows File Explorer, the reporter finds Files to be an excellent open-source alternative. Its modern design, combined with a feature-rich and user-friendly interface, makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a more efficient and visually appealing file management experience.",
  "summary": "A fresh open source file manager rethinks Windows file browsing with modern UI, tags, dual panes, and deep customization.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TechRadar",
        "title": "Microsoft is pulling free emails for schools, colleges, and universities",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/microsoft-is-pulling-free-emails-for-schools-colleges-and-universities",
        "published": "2026-11-12T17:35:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}