The latest preview of the popular File Explorer alternative Files brings toolbar customization and theme shortcuts, further refining the user experience for Windows users. Version 4.0.39, now available on the Microsoft Store and GitHub, introduces several user-requested features that make the app more flexible and visually appealing.

Toolbar Customization: A New Level of Control

One of the standout additions in Files 4.0.39 is the ability to customize the toolbar. Users can now add, remove, or rearrange toolbar buttons to suit their workflow. This means you can place frequently used actions like copy, paste, rename, or delete within easy reach, while hiding tools you rarely use. The customization is straightforward: right-click on the toolbar and select "Customize toolbar" to open a drag-and-drop interface. From there, you can add commands from a list of available actions, remove existing ones, or reorder them by simple dragging. The changes apply immediately, and you can reset to defaults at any time.

This feature addresses a long-standing request from the community. In previous versions, the toolbar was fixed, offering only a limited set of buttons. Power users who relied on keyboard shortcuts or context menus often found themselves wanting more direct access to specific commands. Now, with toolbar customization, Files becomes more adaptable to individual preferences, potentially reducing the need to navigate through menus for common tasks.

Theme Shortcuts: Quick Visual Switcheroo

Another notable addition is the introduction of theme shortcuts. Users can now quickly switch between light, dark, or system themes using keyboard shortcuts. By default, the shortcuts are Ctrl+Shift+L for light mode, Ctrl+Shift+D for dark mode, and Ctrl+Shift+S for system theme. These can be customized in the settings under "Keyboard shortcuts." For users who frequently toggle between themes—perhaps for different lighting conditions or personal preference—this eliminates the need to dive into settings every time.

The theme shortcuts work seamlessly with the existing theming engine, which supports custom accent colors and background images. Combined with the new shortcuts, Files offers a level of visual customization that goes beyond what native File Explorer provides.

Other Improvements and Fixes

Version 4.0.39 also includes several bug fixes and performance enhancements. The team addressed an issue where the preview pane failed to load for certain file types, particularly large images and PDFs. Additionally, the search functionality received a performance boost, with faster indexing and more accurate results when searching across multiple folders. The update also resolves a crash that occurred when dragging files between tabs on systems with multiple monitors.

On the interface side, the context menu now includes an option to open the terminal in the current directory, a feature that developers and advanced users will appreciate. The status bar has been updated to show more detailed information about selected items, including total size and file count.

The State of Third-Party File Managers on Windows

Files has carved out a niche as a modern, UWP-based file manager that feels native to Windows 10 and 11. Unlike many alternatives, it integrates with Windows features like tabs, dual panes, and cloud services (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.) while maintaining a clean, fluent design. The app is open-source and actively developed by community contributors, with releases coming every few weeks.

Despite Microsoft's ongoing efforts to improve File Explorer—most recently with tabs and a refreshed interface in Windows 11—many users find third-party tools like Files more feature-rich and customizable. The addition of toolbar customization and theme shortcuts in version 4.0.39 demonstrates the developer's commitment to user feedback and continuous improvement.

How to Get Files 4.0.39

Files 4.0.39 is available as a preview release. You can download it from the Microsoft Store (as a beta version) or directly from the GitHub releases page. Note that preview builds may contain bugs, so it's recommended to back up your settings before installing. Stable users can wait for the final release, which typically follows a few weeks after the preview.

Looking Ahead

The roadmap for Files includes further enhancements like a built-in file compression tool, improved network drive support, and a plugin system for extending functionality. With each update, the app inches closer to becoming the go-to file manager for Windows power users. For now, version 4.0.39 offers compelling reasons to give it a try, especially if you value toolbar customization and quick theme switching.

If you haven't tried Files yet, now is a good time. The app is free, respects your privacy, and provides a modern alternative to File Explorer that many users find indispensable. Whether you're a casual user looking for a cleaner interface or a power user needing advanced features, Files 4.0.39 has something to offer.