Files is a popular file manager for Windows 10 and 11 and one of the best alternatives to the original File Explorer. It's feature-rich, looks great on Windows 11, is free, and regularly updates features. The latest preview update, version 3.9.12, brings significant improvements to the address bar, search, and filter functionality.
In File Preview 3.9.12, the app will get a new Omnibar control. It is a new control that has the same functionality as the browser address bar. It combines the "breadcrumb" path and the search box into one UI element. By default, the new Omnibar displays breadcrumbs, the current path to a folder, providing quick access to individual directories and their nested folders in the path.
In addition to visual improvements, the new Omnibar also introduces a new Home button with dedicated pop-ups that let you navigate to quickly access projects, drives, and other elements.
You can click the new multipurpose bar (or press Ctrl + L) to edit or copy the current path, paste a new address, or navigate to another folder by entering its location. The multipurpose bar now also contains a command panel, which you can trigger by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P.
With the multi-function bar, file management tools no longer use a dedicated search bar. You can search for files by pressing Ctrl + F or clicking the search button in the multi-purpose bar. It's also worth noting that the developers changed the way filtering works. The file management tool now has a dedicated filtering interface and no longer filters items by default when typing in the search box. It runs faster and is more intuitive.
Other changes in Files Preview 3.9.12 include OX Drive integration and partial RTL support.
You can download Files Preview 3.9.12 from the official Files.community website. If you want to support the developers, you can purchase the preview version from the Microsoft Store.