Microsoft refuses to add this File Explorer feature, so the Files app stepped up
Microsoft’s built-in File Explorer lacks a folder size display feature, but the third-party Files app has stepped in to fill the gap. A recent update to Files introduces on-demand folder size calculation, allowing users to see the size of folders without draining system resources.
The implementation is clever: rather than automatically displaying folder sizes for all entries—which would consume significant processing power—Files adds a button in the size column that users can click to calculate individual folder sizes on demand. This approach provides the functionality Windows users have long requested while maintaining system performance.
The Files app has a track record of introducing features faster than Microsoft’s own solutions. Previously, it added tabbed file management to the application long before Windows 11’s File Explorer received similar functionality. This latest update continues that pattern.
Beyond folder sizes, the update also includes additional quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to remove all tags from a file at once. These features demonstrate the Files app developers’ focus on practical usability enhancements that address real user needs.