Files

[Sneakyone]

Guide to Files

**Files** is a modern, open-source file manager for Windows that offers a sleek design, advanced features, and improved usability over the default Windows File Explorer. It provides a tabbed interface, support for cloud services, and other productivity-enhancing features. This guide will walk you through the installation, configuration, and key features of Files.

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1. Installation Process

Follow these steps to install Files on your device:

1. Download the app: Visit the official Files website or download it directly from the Microsoft Store.
   
2. Install Files: If you’re using the Microsoft Store, click ‘Get’ and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
   
3. Launch Files: After installation, launch the app from your Start menu or desktop to start using it.
   
4. Set as default file manager (optional): To replace Windows File Explorer as the default file manager, open the settings in Files and enable the option to set it as the default file browser.
   

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2. First-Time Setup and Customization

Once installed, follow these steps to configure Files for optimal use:

1. Choose your default layout: Files offers several layout options like ‘Details,’ ‘Tiles,’ and ‘Grid View.’ Go to the ‘View’ tab at the top of the window and select your preferred layout.
   
2. Enable dark mode: For a better visual experience, you can enable dark mode by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘Appearance’ and selecting ‘Dark Mode.’
   
3. Customize sidebar: Files allows you to customize the sidebar with frequently used folders or drives. Right-click the sidebar and select ‘Add to Sidebar’ to pin your most-used locations.
   
4. Set default startup folder: Under ‘Settings’ > ‘Files and Folders,’ choose your default folder for the app to open on startup. This can be set to ‘Quick Access,’ ‘Documents,’ ‘Downloads,’ or any folder of your choice.
   
5. Choose tabs behavior: Files features a tabbed interface similar to a web browser. Customize tab behavior by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘Multitasking,’ where you can set options like ‘Open folders in a new tab’ or ‘Middle-click to close tabs.’
   

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3. Key Features and How to Use Them

Files offers numerous advanced features to make file management more intuitive and productive. Here’s how to use some of the key features:

• Tabbed Interface: Files supports multiple tabs, allowing you to open several folders simultaneously in one window. To open a new tab, click the ‘+’ button or press Ctrl + T. You can switch between tabs or drag and drop items between them for easier multitasking.
  
• Dual Pane View: Files includes a dual-pane view for easier file comparison and management between two directories. To enable it, go to ‘View’ > ‘Dual Pane’. This splits the window, allowing you to manage files in two locations at once.
  
• Quick Access: Access frequently used folders or recent files through the ‘Quick Access’ menu. You can pin important folders to Quick Access by right-clicking them and selecting ‘Pin to Quick Access.’
  
• Cloud Storage Integration: Files integrates seamlessly with cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox. To access cloud drives, they will appear automatically in the sidebar after you install and log into the respective cloud storage app.
  
• File Previews: Files supports built-in file previews. When browsing your files, click once on a file and press the ‘Spacebar’ to preview it without opening the full application (supported for images, text files, and PDFs).
  
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Files includes a variety of keyboard shortcuts to speed up navigation:
   
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  • Ctrl + N: Open a new window.
     
    
  • Ctrl + T: Open a new tab.
     
    
  • Ctrl + W: Close the current tab.
     
    
  • Ctrl + Tab: Switch to the next tab.
     
    
  • Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder.
     
    
• Search and Filter Files: The search bar at the top of the window allows you to quickly find files or folders. Use filters like ‘Type’ or ‘Date Modified’ to narrow down your search results.
  
• Context Menu Customization: Files provides a customizable right-click menu. You can configure the context menu to show or hide certain options under ‘Settings’ > ‘Context Menu.’
  

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4. Customizing File Management Settings

Files allows for deeper customization to suit your file management style. Here’s how to adjust advanced settings:

1. Change file sorting options: You can sort files by name, size, type, or date. Go to ‘View’ and select ‘Sort by’ to choose how your files are organized.
   
2. Configure navigation behavior: Under ‘Settings’ > ‘Files and Folders,’ customize how the file manager navigates between folders. You can choose between single or double-click to open items.
   
3. Set default file explorer behavior: To make Files your default file explorer, enable ‘Set as Default’ in the settings. This will open all folders using Files instead of Windows File Explorer.
   
4. Theme and appearance customization: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Appearance’ to switch between dark, light, or system themes. You can also adjust icon size and text size in the file lists.
   
5. Show or hide hidden files: To toggle hidden files and folders, go to ‘View’ and enable or disable ‘Show hidden items.’
   

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5. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you may encounter with Files and how to resolve them:

• Files not launching or crashing: Ensure you have the latest version of Files installed. If the issue persists, reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store or GitHub.
  
• Cloud drives not appearing: Ensure that you are logged into your cloud storage service (e.g., OneDrive or Google Drive) via their respective apps. After logging in, your cloud storage will appear in the sidebar.
  
• Slow performance: If Files is running slowly, try disabling animations and reducing the number of tabs or panes open simultaneously. You can also try lowering the icon or text size under ‘Appearance Settings.’
  
• Missing context menu options: If certain context menu options are missing, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Context Menu’ and ensure the options are enabled.
  

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6. Uninstalling Files

If you need to uninstall Files, follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel or Settings app on your computer.
   
2. Go to Programs > Uninstall a Program (Windows).
   
3. Find Files in the list of installed programs and click Uninstall.
   
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove Files from your system.
   
5. Alternatively, right-click the app in the Start menu and select ‘Uninstall.’
   

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7. Conclusion

Files is a modern and powerful file management tool that enhances productivity with its tabbed interface, dual-pane view, cloud storage integration, and customizable appearance. It’s an excellent alternative to the default Windows File Explorer. For more help, visit the Files Community Support Page.