Not satisfied with Windows File Manager? So you might be interested in an alternative, of which there are not many: filesan interesting project given the design it maintains and has just released a new version, so it’s a good time to remind yourself of its existence if you missed it until now.

Because the truth is, we’ve covered Files before. A few years ago, we devoted this article to it in depth and evaluated all its advantages. An article that I invite you to read if you are interested in the matter, because I do not want to repeat it all, but I will add something: I have been using it since then 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 which you can also use in Windows 10. Among its main features stand out is tab support, something that Windows itself lacked until recently and is only available in Windows 11. However, the official implementation is still a bit fair and yes, Files he can do better.

Here’s a very condensed summary of what Files v2 brought almost a couple of years ago. At this time, they released four versions with various new features, which I will also summarize to bring them up to date: general support improvements (for example, support for ARM64, for symbolic links, for various cloud storage and file synchronization services, for creating new archives, extracting encrypted archives…), new features such as labels, compact display, batch actions in the conflict dialog (for example for renaming files), improvements in the display of available storage, minor rework and cosmetic adjustments, but also practical, a number of optimizations and fixes.. .

Files brought all this in its subsequent versions, from 2.1 to 2.4. Now just introduced files 2.5 And of course you won’t come home empty-handed. Among its main novelties is the one that lovers of the aesthetics of Windows 11 will really like, and that – although the aesthetics of Files have always been at an excellent level – the application renews the use of acrylic material, a technology linked to the design language of Microsoft Fluent Design.

This change essentially allows customization of the app that goes beyond the wallpaper color that is set with dynamic transparency which will adjust to the elements on the screen (whatever is placed after Files, of course) 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 Mica-based Files options.

Other new features in Files 2.5 include navigation gesturesaccessible a priori both with a mouse or touchpad and on touch screen devices; git support for managing software repositories, something specific for developers; and integration with SeerPro, the popular macOS QuickLook-style file preview app; changes to preview and detail panels and batch metadata edits as well as fixes.

Interested in giving Files a first-hand look to see if it’s worth it? You have it on the official download page, but beware, because the first link directs you to the Microsoft Store, where it costs 8.99 euros (this will contribute to the project), right below that is the development version download, and in a tiny link a little further down is the classic installer, free and without limitation.