My favorite File Explorer alternative just got better, but you won’t see the biggest addition it its change log

What you need to know

• The “Files” app received an update recently that adds a few small features and that improves the experience when using Google Drive.
• Files is a third-party file management app that has several features that Microsoft’s File Explorer lacks.

The Windows 11 File Explorer is fine. Functional and consistent, Microsoft’s app for file management has been around for ages. But File Explorer lacks some pizzazz. If you want a modern file management experience, you need to look at third-party alternatives. One option is the Files app, which I’ve covered for years. It’s my favorite File Explorer alternative, thanks to its modern design, feature set, and development path. A recent update to Files adds some handy fixes noted in its change log, plus one change not mentioned anywhere.

The most recent update to Files brings the app to version 3.7. The app’s change log outlines additions, such as an optional toolbar button to navigate to home and the option to hide the System Tray icon. The developers of Files also refactor the app’s code for detecting Google Drive, which should result in a better experience. That change isn’t noted in the release page of Files, but the developer shared it with me recently.