Replace These 11 Default Apps in Windows 11
Windows comes with a set of default apps that cover the basics – but for most of them, that's exactly their ceiling. Here are 11 better alternatives worth switching to.
File explorer articles
Files app brings smarter folder size scanning to its already capable Windows file manager
Files is an open-source File Explorer replacement for Windows. It supports tabbed browsing, dual-pane layouts, file tagging and preview, cloud integration, and deep customization. The latest version adds on-demand folder size calculation to avoid unnecessary background scans, and preserves file selections when changing layouts.
Windows 11 will soon have an option for removing web results from local search queries
Microsoft appears to answer users' complaints
Microsoft is rethinking Windows 11 after months of complaints
Microsoft outlines a Windows overhaul focused on speed, stability, and user control
Highly anticipated: Microsoft is taking a closer look at Windows 11 after months of criticism over the operating system's uneven performance and intrusive AI features. The company has begun outlining a series of engineering fixes and user experience overhauls aimed at rebuilding confidence in its flagship product, with the first phase arriving in preview builds this spring and broader improvements planned throughout 2026.
Microsoft tests new Windows AI in the taskbar and File Explorer
Latest preview hints that the AI everywhere retreat may only be temporary
Microsoft begins testing Windows 11 26H2 with major fixes and Copilot changes
Windows 11's latest build brings File Explorer and Search into the AI era
Windows 11's updated File Explorer remains painfully slow despite using twice as much RAM
Microsoft can't figure out how to fix what it broke
Microsoft finally admits File Explorer is slow, now it's testing a preload fix
Has the enshittification of Windows Explorer gone too far?
Files 4.0 updated with a new Omnibar and smarter search
Files 4.0 introduces a redesigned Omnibar that combines path navigation with search, now featuring a powerful Command Palette. There's also a improved dual pane mode, sidebar, revamped actions settings, and other refinements.
Windows 11 File Explorer keeps getting worse, now with added AI
"AI actions" added to the Windows context menu
Windows 11's File Explorer will soon unzip files faster
One of several recent improvements to archived file management
Windows 11's latest feature lets you view your Android phone content in the File Explorer
Move, copy, and delete Android phone content in Windows without the cord
Alternative Windows file manager Files 3.5 brings a refreshed UI design
Files 3.5 enhances its aesthetics by applying rounded corners to more UI surfaces. Among other changes, you can now open batch files in Notepad from the toolbar and there's a new widget for network drives.
Microsoft releases patch to fix critical Wi-Fi flaw in Windows, Windows Server
The Wi-Fi vulnerability is dangerous for anyone who works on their computer in a public space
Windows 11 File Explorer adds version control, 7z, and TAR compression support
More productivity features from Microsoft this week
Microsoft rolls out fix for Windows 11 File Explorer bug after 15-month wait
Better late than never?
User-activated bug in Windows File Explorer unintentionally boosts performance
It comes at a price, but a small one
More File Explorer changes and Android file sharing coming to Windows 11
The Windows 11 native RGB lighting controller also arrives
Windows 11 bug is making File Explorer open at random
While not a guaranteed fix, many have had success by simply closing File Explorer after use
Latest Windows 11 dev build adds new File Explorer and photo gallery features
A new way to view your photos could be on the horizon
Latest Windows 11 Insider build adds tabs to File Explorer
Could the long-requested feature finally arrive?
'Everything' is desktop search for Windows, but better
If you feel that Windows Search isn't working as it should, Everything is a good alternative for handy local search for all your files and folders. Check out more like this in our essential apps to install.
Microsoft testing ads for its services in the Windows 11 File Explorer
Subscriptions, subscriptions, subscriptions
Microsoft is planning to bring tabs to File Explorer in Windows 11
One of the most highly-requested File Explorer features is coming soon
Q-Dir is a free advanced alternative to Windows File Explorer
Q-Dir stands for Quad-Directory-Explorer, it features a 4-window view with multiple tabs, allowing you to more easily manage all your files and folders on your local drive, network folder, or any storage device.