file manager application that is included with releases of the Microsoft Windows operating system
Microsoft's special Windows 11 26H2 tweak makes PCs faster especially on hard disks.
^P
Microsoft says Windows 11 26H2 up to 20% more responsive from ... Show more
Microsoft's special Windows 11 26H2 tweak makes PCs faster especially on hard disks
Microsoft's special Windows 11 26H2 tweak makes PCs faster especially on hard disks
Key FactsExplorerPatcher Can Restore Selected Windows 10 Features
2 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- The free ExplorerPatcher can restore Windows 10’s Start menu in Windows 11, including resizing and a visible app list.
- It replaces Microsoft’s Widgets with a streamlined weather widget, which the author said was recently failing to display data.
- The Windows 10 Ribbon interface improves File Explorer access, but removes Windows 11 features such as tabs.
- Some smaller options apparently do not work in current versions, although the author says the app remains supported.
Right off the bat, being able to restore the Windows 10 Start menu with ExplorerPatcher is an extremely welcome change, and the biggest reason to use this app, in my opinion.— João Carrasqueira, author of the XDA-Developers article on ExplorerPatcher
WindowsCentral Oct 07
Windows 11's October 'Patch Tuesday' lands on the 13th with a smarter File Explorer and new controls — I found 7 of the biggest changes coming ...
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/windows-11s-october-patch-tuesday-update-on-the-13th-here-are-the-biggest-changes-coming-to-your-pc
Windows 11: Huge preview update brings countless new features: Microsoft has released a comprehensive release preview for Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2 ...
winfuture.de/news,162016.html
Windows 11 hides a Windows 7 folder that beats the Settings app, and I use it every day
xda-developers.com/windows-11-hides-a-windows-7-folder-that-beats-the-settings-app-and-i-use-it-every-day/
New Windows 11 build improves Gaming Task View and revamps the Run dialog.
^P
Microsoft rolls Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview build 26340.9750 ... Show more
New Windows 11 build improves Gaming Task View and revamps the Run dialog
New Windows 11 build improves Gaming Task View and revamps the Run dialog
Windows 11 26H2 review: Is the update really faster?: Windows 11 26H2 is supposed to feel faster thanks to several optimizations. PCGH therefore compared the ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Windows-11-26H2-25H2-App-Startzeiten-Test-1555901/
Microsoft fixes bug causing Windows black screens, Explorer crashes: Microsoft has resolved a known issue that was causing black screens, desktop loading issues ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-fixes-bug-causing-windows-black-screens-explorer-crashes/
Another record-breaking Patch Tuesday: Microsoft closes 1,414 security vulnerabilities - | Golem.de
golem.de/news/erneuter-rekord-patchday-microsoft-schliesst-1-414-sicherheitsluecken-2610-214080.html
Windows 11: Update KB5127648 brings bug fixes and new features: Microsoft released the cumulative security update KB5127648 for Windows 11 on Patch Tuesday in ...
stadt-bremerhaven.de/windows-11-update-kb5127648-bringt-fehlerbehebungen-und-neue-funktionen/
Bosys communication tool: Explorer integrates Tripbuilder into UI Office: Explorer is integrating its Tripbuilder booking system into the UI Office communication ...
fvw.de/traveltech/systeme/kommunikationstool-von-bosys-explorer-integriert-tripbuilder-in-ui-office-265208
Paid articlePaywallI replaced Microsoft’s default Windows apps with open-source alternatives and never looked back
xda-developers.com/replaced-microsoft-default-windows-apps-with-open-source-alternatives-and-never-looked-back/
Key FactsAuthor replaces Windows defaults with open-source alternatives
Oct 1, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- The author finds Files more modern and lightweight than File Explorer, with tabs, dual-pane viewing, and customizable sidebars.
- According to the author, Zen fits better than Edge, is Firefox-based, and offers Workspaces, Compact Mode, and Split View.
- The author says ImageGlass opens images faster than Photos, while VLC supports many formats and advanced playback controls.
- According to the author, OnlyOffice edits DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX files offline; Syncthing syncs files directly between his devices.
Dual-pane file managers replaced so many apps I didn't need to install in the first place
xda-developers.com/ignoring-file-managers-best-feature-for-decade-replaced-these-utilities/
Windows 11: These are the new features users can expect on October Patch Tuesday: The upcoming October Patch Tuesday for Windows 11 will once again bring ...
winfuture.de/news,161822.html
windowslatest.com Oct 05
Windows 11’s File Explorer is finally giving the squiggly ~ key a job, sending it straight to the user folder
windowslatest.com/2026/10/05/windows-11s-file-explorer-is-finally-giving-the-squiggly-key-a-job-sending-it-straight-to-the-user-folder/
Notebookcheck Oct 06
Windows 11 26H2 begins roll out with AI File Explorer actions: Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 version 26H2. Explore Copilot File Explorer AI tools ...
notebookcheck.net/Windows-11-26H2-begins-roll-out-with-AI-File-Explorer-actions.1415485.0.html
microsoft.com Oct 05
What's new in Windows 11, version 26H2 for IT pros: Learn more about what's new in Windows 11, version 26H2, including servicing updates.
learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-11-version-26h2
New Windows 11 Preview builds bring File Explorer and Cloud Rebuild changes: Microsoft just released Windows 11 Insider Experimental Preview builds 26340 ...
neowin.net/news/new-windows-11-preview-builds-bring-file-explorer-and-cloud-rebuild-changes/
WindowsCentral Oct 05
Prepare for Microsoft's Windows and Surface event with these cutting-edge features for Insiders
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/prepare-for-microsofts-windows-and-surface-event-with-these-cutting-edge-features-for-insiders
Like in Linux: Windows 11 gets a practical shortcut: Numerous personal files, documents, and user settings are stored in the profile | or user folder under ...
t3n.de/news/linux-windows-11-shortcut-1766578/
Windows 11: Microsoft copies clever Linux feature for File Explorer: A recent preview update for Windows 11 brings a small but significant change to File ...
winfuture.de/news,161732.html
RemoveWindowsAI update script breaks Windows 11 File Explorer UI: Old persistent cleanup tasks on Windows 11 trigger package removal after OS updates ...
neowin.net/news/removewindowsai-update-script-breaks-windows-11-file-explorer-ui/
Microsoft releases KB5124010 update for Windows 11 with a long list of new features. Preview for 25H2 and 24H2 adds Copilot key remapping, Emoji 17.0 ... Show more
Microsoft releases KB5124010 update for Windows 11 with a long list of new features
Microsoft releases KB5124010 update for Windows 11 with a long list of new features
Windows 11: Fresh preview update available - | Here's what's new: Users in the Windows Insider Program can now test a new preview version ...
winfuture.de/news,161553.html
Windows 11: Preview Update KB5124010 with many changes: Microsoft has released KB5124010 for Windows 11. The optional preview update brings Explorer changes ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Neues-11-Preview-Update-KB5124010-viele-Aenderungen-veroeffentlicht-1554725/
File Explorer can preview downloaded files again, but HTMLs require an extra step
neowin.net/reports/file-explorer-can-preview-downloaded-files-again-but-htmls-require-an-extra-step/
Windows 11 KB5124010: Optional update brings new features: Microsoft hat das optionale Windows-11-Update für September freigegeben. Es bringt praktische ...
winfuture.de/news,161463.html
Windows 11: Preview Update KB5124010 Brings Copilot Key Mapping and Explorer Improvements
stadt-bremerhaven.de/windows-11-preview-update-kb5124010-bringt-copilot-tastenbelegung-und-explorer-verbesserungen/
This free Windows app makes file conversion ridiculously easy: File Converter turns images, videos, audio, and documents into new formats without having to open ...
pcworld.com/article/3219316/this-free-windows-app-makes-file-conversion-ridiculously-easy.html
Your Windows 11 woes may soon be over as Insiders confirm a faster, snappier OS overall
xda-developers.com/your-windows-11-woes-may-soon-be-over-as-insiders-confirm-a-faster-snappier-os-overall/
Key FactsWindows 11 Insiders report a faster experimental build
Sep 19, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Windows Insiders tested an experimental Windows 11 build where File Explorer reportedly opened immediately.
- According to Marcus Ash, many Insiders feel improvements in overall system responsiveness within experimental builds.
- Ash said improvements to Start and the taskbar have already begun rolling out broadly.
- Ash said more improvements are expected this fall and are connected with Microsoft's K2 initiative.
I changed one Registry setting and File Explorer finally stopped wasting my time: Your File Explorer is probably waiting for network drives you don't use anymore
xda-developers.com/one-registry-change-made-windows-11-file-explorer-feel-instant-again/
Microsoft: "Users are already noticing that Windows 11 is faster": Microsoft has been working on the performance of Windows 11 for months. Now ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Windows-11-Performance-Verbesserungen-Herbst-2026-1554013/
I've been using Windows Explorer for years, and I wish I had known about these 7 shortcuts sooner
xda-developers.com/i-wish-i-knew-these-windows-explorer-shortcuts-sooner/
Windows 11: Emergency Update KB5129195 without Radeon Fix: Since September 14th, Microsoft has been distributing the out-of-band update KB5129195 to all Windows ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Notfall-Update-KB5129195-Radeon-Fehler-1553895/
Windows 11 KB5124010 just hit Release Preview for 24H2 and 25H2. Emoji 17.0 is here plus File Explorer tweaks. Are you on Release Preview?
^P
Windows 7: USB stick not displayed - | assign a fixed drive letter: USB stick not displayed in Windows 7? Learn how to assign a fixed drive letter and quickly ...
op-online.de/verbraucher/windows-usb-stick-wird-nicht-angezeigt-laufwerksbuchstaben-aendern-zr-94494640.html
This open-source tool finally fixed Windows 11’s painfully slow right-click menu for me
xda-developers.com/this-open-source-tool-finally-fixed-windows-11s-painfully-slow-right-click-menu-for-me/
Key FactsOpen-Source Files App Offers Customizable Windows 11 Explorer Alternative
Sep 3, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- Files is a free, open-source Windows utility by yair100 with a customizable context menu.
- Its menu supports opening folders in new tabs, windows, panes, shortcuts, and Windows Terminal.
- When moving many files, Files shows the items and transfer progress in the top-right corner.
- Windows Security’s Controlled Folder Access temporarily blocked Files.exe from accessing certain protected folders during testing.
Intensive testing underway: Windows 11 will be noticeably faster this fall: Microsoft continues to work on making Windows 11 noticeably faster and more ...
winfuture.de/news,161307.html
I changed one Registry setting and File Explorer finally stopped wasting my time: Your File Explorer is probably waiting for network drives you don't use anymore
xda-developers.com/one-registry-change-made-windows-11-file-explorer-feel-instant-again/
New Windows 11 builds improve File Explorer search and add more context menu controls
neowin.net/news/new-windows-11-builds-improve-file-explorer-search-and-add-more-context-menu-controls/
I gave Windows 11 an old-school makeover by restoring its classic icons: Do you miss the good old days of Windows? You can bring some of that spirit back using ...
xda-developers.com/gave-windows-11-old-school-makeover-restoring-classic-icons/
Windows 11's new context menu buries custom entries even deeper: It looks like every new iteration of Windows 11's context menu makes custom entries more ...
neowin.net/reports/windows-11s-new-context-menu-buries-custom-entries-even-deeper/
I changed one Registry setting and File Explorer finally stopped wasting my time: Your File Explorer is probably waiting for network drives you don't use anymore
xda-developers.com/one-registry-change-made-windows-11-file-explorer-feel-instant-again/
Key FactsRegistry tweak made File Explorer feel faster for its author
Aug 21, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: xda-developers.com
- File Explorer also tracks network locations and mapped drives, so slow, sleeping, or unavailable targets can cause delays when folders open.
- The recommended process is to back up the Registry, set NoNetCrawling to 1 under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer, and then restart Explorer.exe.
- Microsoft describes NoNetCrawling as controlling automatic searches for network folders and printers, meaning the change does not speed up the SSD but removes unnecessary network activity.
- People who regularly use NAS devices, shared folders, or network printers should not disable the feature indiscriminately and can reverse it by setting the value to 0 or deleting it.
dlvr.it Aug 24
Windows NT 4 went on sale 30 years ago today: The version that started to bring all Microsoft’s pieces together
theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/08/24/windows-nt-4-went-on-sale-30-years-ago-today/5291938
I changed one Registry setting and File Explorer finally stopped wasting my time: Your File Explorer is probably waiting for network drives you don't use anymore
xda-developers.com/one-registry-change-made-windows-11-file-explorer-feel-instant-again/
This huge PowerToys update introduces a new Windows Hopper tool for easy navigation
xda-developers.com/this-huge-powertoys-update-introduces-a-new-windows-hopper-tool-for-easy-navigation/
New Windows 11 build brings automatic PDF previews to File Explorer for Insiders: Find out what's new in Windows 11 Insider Experimental builds 26340 ...
neowin.net/news/new-windows-11-build-brings-automatic-pdf-previews-to-file-explorer-for-insiders/
WindowsCentral Aug 18
Windows 11’s latest File Explorer tweak is tiny (microscopic, even), but somehow it still managed to split the community in half ... Show more
dlvr.it Aug 18
Microsoft finally fixing File Explorer and the Context Menu: Time to flex that Windows 10 muscle memory
theregister.com/os-platforms/2026/08/18/microsoft-finally-fixing-file-explorer-and-the-context-menu/5289121
WindowsCentral Aug 18
Files v4.2.7 speeds up Windows 11's right-click context menu and lowers its memory usage in this update to the open-source File Explorer alternative ... Show more
Microsoft tests faster Windows File Explorer, new context menu: Microsoft has started testing a faster File Explorer and a less cluttered and more customizable ...
bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-tests-faster-windows-explorer-customizable-context-menu/
Windows: Sorely missed File Explorer feature returns: In October 2025, Microsoft removed the handy preview function for downloaded content from Windows 11's ...
winfuture.de/news,160812.html
WindowsCentral Aug 11
Windows 11’s August update is officially rolling out today, and it brings a bunch of meaningful improvements across the OS.
Start, Taskbar, Search ... Show more
WindowsCentral Aug 19
In the latest Windows 11 Insider builds for August, we discovered eight new features that enhance the operating system and offer intriguing improvements ... Show more
Windows 11 Is Being Made Faster and Less Annoying: Microsoft is responding by giving Windows 11 a major overhaul. The goal: better performance ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/So-soll-Windows-schneller-werden-1550620/
WindowsCentral Aug 16
Windows 11 has come a long way since 2021 — Start, Taskbar, File Explorer, Settings, AI integration, everything’s been touched ... Show more
Microsoft Vows To Fix Windows 11's 'Cluttered And Sluggish' Right-Click Menu: Microsoft is working on a sleek, new, performant Windows 11 right-click menu for ...
hothardware.com/news/microsoft-vows-to-fix-windows-11s-cluttered-and-sluggish-right-click-menu
Stunning Windows 7 Remastered concept modernizes an extremely popular OS: This fan-made Windows 7 remake looks stunning, and some nostalgic twists and fresh ...
neowin.net/news/stunning-windows-7-remastered-concept-modernizes-an-extremely-popular-os/
Key FactsAR 4789’s Windows 7 Remastered Concept Blends Old and New
Aug 2, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
- The design presented by AR 4789 on YouTube is a fan concept rather than an actual product.
- It uses Fluent Design, transparency effects, rounded corners, a circular Start button, and redesigned icons.
- The Start menu retains a Windows 7 feel while adding app groups, widgets, and reminders, and Explorer gains AI-powered semantic search.
- The concept appears to merge Control Panel with Settings and also offers personalization options plus a Gadgets view for pinable widgets.
WindowsCentral Aug 04
Windows 11 saw plenty of changes in July across Insider channels, including smarter Search, a faster File Explorer, new touchpad gestures ... Show more
Windows 26H1: Optional update with new features available: Ein frisches Update für Windows 11 Version 26H1 ist als Preview angekommen. Nutzer im Release Preview ...
winfuture.de/news,160626.html
VideoCardz Aug 01
Microsoft plans Windows 11 memory optimizations for PCs with 8GB RAM: Microsoft is targeting lower Windows 11 memory use on PCs with 8GB RAM. File Explorer ...
videocardz.com/newz/microsoft-plans-windows-11-memory-optimizations-for-pcs-with-8gb-ram
Key FactsMicrosoft sets four new Windows 11 priorities
Aug 3, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theregister.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theregister.com
- The improvement agenda published in March 2026 was launched, according to the article, in response to users’ anger over Windows 11 becoming increasingly unreliable and resource-intensive.
- In a post dated July 31, 2026, Microsoft Windows chief Pavan Davuluri outlined progress but acknowledged that much of the work, including memory optimization, has yet to reach production releases.
- One of the four new priorities is memory optimization for devices with 8GB or more, while Microsoft’s current requirements list at least 4GB for Windows 11 and 16GB of DDR5 or LPDDR5 for Copilot+ PCs.
- The other three goals are a faster and more efficient setup experience, easier access to parental controls, and more natural voice interactions across multiple apps.
The signal from you is clear: keep going. We intend to.— Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft’s executive VP for Windows and Devices, in a post acknowledging Windows users’ frustrations and saying the team will act.
WindowsCentral Aug 01
Poll: How do you feel about Microsoft's "improvements" to Windows 11?
windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/poll-improvements-setting-up-new-pc-with-windows-11
Microsoft releases KB5101681 for Windows 11 26H1 with new calendar-based update pause
neowin.net/news/microsoft-releases-kb5101681-for-windows-11-26h1-with-new-calendar-based-update-pause/
Microsoft Just Fixed File Explorer, But It's Still Broken: Windows 11 is finally getting customizable File Explorer context menus, but Microsoft's biggest ...
pcmag.com/news/microsoft-just-fixed-file-explorer-but-its-still-broken
Windows 11 is getting faster: What the major update KB5101684 really improves.: Microsoft is distributing KB5101684 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/KB5101684-Update-Explorer-Performance-1549687/
Windows 10 KB5099539 July 2026 Cumulative Update is now available for download: Microsoft has released the July 2026 Patch Tuesday cumulative updates for Windows ...
neowin.net/news/windows-10-kb5099539-july-2026-cumulative-update-is-now-available-for-download/
Key FactsJuly 2026 Windows 10 Update KB5099539 Released
Jul 14, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: neowin.net
- The cumulative update KB5099539 for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2 addresses several known issues.
- Fixes include problems with OLE Automation, File Explorer's OneDrive shortcut, Recycle Bin dialogs, and hotkey handling.
- Security enhancements feature dynamic reporting of Secure Boot status and expanded certificate deployment.
- Networking and Remote Desktop components received updates, adding SHA-2 certificate support and network security hardening.
Windows 11 makes it easier to clean up full SSDs in Explorer: Microsoft is fixing an old weakness of File Explorer: The size column will now automatically scale ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/KB5101684-KB-MB-GB-Dateigroessen-1550007/
WindowsCentral Jul 22
Microsoft is finally tackling one of Windows 11’s most stubborn legacy UI holdouts: the File Explorer Properties window.
Hidden in the latest preview builds ... Show more
Windows 11: File Explorer deletes large files faster: Microsoft has sped up the deletion of large, highly fragmented files in File Explorer ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Datei-Explorer-loescht-grosse-Dateien-schneller-1549455/
WindowsCentral Jul 25
We dug through Reddit to see which Windows 11 features people actually use (or, according to them, find "life-changing") ... Show more
Microsoft is finally giving Windows 11's File Explorer the fresh coat of paint it deserves
xda-developers.com/microsoft-is-finally-giving-windows-11s-file-explorer-the-fresh-coat-of-paint-it-deserves/
Microsoft rolls out build 26300.8935 to Windows 11 Insiders in the Experimental channel
neowin.net/news/microsoft-rolls-out-build-263008935-to-windows-11-insiders-in-the-experimental-channel/
How to set custom folder icons in Windows 11 File Explorer: Tired of identical folder icons in Windows 11? A built-in feature lets you give File Explorer a fresh ...
neowin.net/guides/how-to-set-custom-folder-icons-in-windows-11-file-explorer/
Windows 11: File Explorer dialog from the Win 95 era is finally being replaced: Microsoft continues to clean up Windows 11 and is testing a modern design for the ...
winfuture.de/news,160140.html
Windows 11 modernizes a menu that's over 30 years old: Microsoft is working on a new properties dialog for File Explorer. In a recent Windows 11 preview ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/11-Eigenschaften-Dialog-Dark-Mode-WinUI-3-1549106/
Windows 11: Arguably the slowest search feature gets "dramatic improvements": Searching in Windows 11's File Explorer is considered a test of patience ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/11-Datei-Explorer-Suche-schneller-Update-1548930/
Windows 11 Beta: New Start Menu and Touchpad Gestures in Test Run: How can the daily workflow in Windows 11 be further accelerated? Microsoft provides the answer ...
winfuture.de/news,160122.html
