Microsoft should be jealous of what this file explorer just shipped
Files, a third-party file explorer for Windows, has released version 4.2 with a significant new Tree View feature in the sidebar. The update adds an expandable folder hierarchy display, allowing users to organize and navigate through subfolders more efficiently. This addition exemplifies how third-party developers continue to innovate beyond Microsoft’s native File Explorer functionality, often delivering features that have been requested by users for years.
Beyond the Tree View, version 4.2 includes several other notable improvements. The update introduces a new Open With flyout, streamlining how users select applications to open files with greater ease. Additionally, the breadcrumb bar—which displays the current folder path for navigation—has received visual and functional improvements to enhance clarity and usability.
The release demonstrates the ongoing trend of third-party applications providing feature sets that rival or exceed built-in Windows utilities. Files joins a growing list of alternative file managers that address user preferences for better organization, navigation, and customization options that the standard File Explorer may lack. The app’s detailed changelog is available on the Files community website for users interested in the complete list of changes and improvements included in this update.