nice article about utilities.  I downloaded the current powertoys and look forward to using the Always on Top and Search and Replace utilities.

I would like to try the Files app, (mostly for the dual windows feature) but having to download from windows store is a non starter for me. I have had negative experiences with windows store in the past, eg: it refusing to download and run apps unless I allow the store to run in background and update whenever it wants. Apps (other than anti-virus) auto updating is not allowed on my systems.

Is there another source to downloading the Files app? I have searched unsuccessfully for it.

PowerToys has been part of my new system install process for years.

A good landing page to bookmark for this set of tools is the release list, which always shows the latest version on top.  (the article linked directly to a previous version)

https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/releases

I spent 15 or 20 minutes experimenting with  the Files app recommended here. There is way too much white space in the Files detail layout and therefore a lot less information, and there seems to be no way to compress the layout.  When I’m managing files I like to see as much as possible.   In dual pane view of Files if you delete a column in the Detail layout it appears that you can’t add it back on the right hand column.  I could never figure out a way to fix that.

I tried Files to see how it compares with xplorer2  that I have been happily using on a daily basis for 10  years.  There really is no comparison; for me, xplorer2 is 1000x better than Files.  The basic file management functions of xplorer2 (free or paid) that I use all the time are way more intuitive and usable than Files.  Even the free version has lots of very useable additional features in the free version with even more in the paid version.

NetDef wrote:

The Files GitHub page offers a “sideload” download, which bypasses the MS Store but still installs in the “UWP App” mode.  That process also requires the user to enable developer mode in Windows Settings.

There does not appear to be a traditional installer.

thanks, but i am not seeing a sideload, download option at the ‘files’ github page.  also, this is likely beyond me,. I don’t know what uwp or developer mode means.

i’ll stick with the regular win10 file manager.

Thanks Lance Whitney, Winaero Tweaker is one of my favorite Windows utilities also. I used Winaero Tweaker to bring back Windows Photo Viewer in Win 10, and it is possible in Win 11 also, with one click:

“You can enable Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 11, if you are not happy with the default Photos app used since Windows 10. Microsoft is using the Photos app as the default image viewer. Luckily, the classic Windows Photo Viewer remains available. You just need to activate it to get it working. – Quick tip: Winaero Tweaker users can enable Windows Photo Viewer in Windows 11 with one click. In the left pane of the app, navigate to Get Classic Apps > Activate Windows Photo Viewer.”

https://winaero.com/how-to-enable-windows-photo-viewer-in-windows-11/

Yes, I realize that multitudes of people and others have their favorite viewers, especially including FastStone Image Viewer, IrfanView, XnView, and others. Just sharing my love (of Winaero Tweaker) with you.