What is Files used for?

Files is an open-source file manager for Windows with tabs, dual pane, tags, Git integration, cloud drive support and a command palette. It is a good fit for replacing the default Windows file explorer, developers browsing Git repositories and managing files across cloud drives.

Is Files open source?

Yes. Files is open source under the MIT licence. Its source code is on GitHub at files-community/Files and is written mainly in C#.

Yes. Files is open source, so the software itself is free to use.

Can I self-host Files?

Yes. Files can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure; there is no official hosted version.

What are some alternatives to Files?

Similar open-source tools in the Productivity category include ShareX, Flow Launcher and PowerToys. SaaS products in the same category include AWNA, BuildNotch and DodoDeck.

Is Files actively maintained?

Yes. The most recent commit to Files was on 24 September 2026, and the latest release is v4.2.9, published on 19 August 2026. The project has 46k stars on GitHub.

Files: open-source productivity

About Files

Files is an open-source file manager for Windows that helps you organize files and folders. It is built with C# on .NET and WinUI, follows the Fluent design language, and is released under the MIT license. It targets Windows 10 and Windows 11 and is developed by the Files community.

The documentation lists features including tabs for working with several folders in one window, a dual pane for managing two folders side by side, tagging of files and folders, and cloud drive integration. Other options cover a command palette, connecting to FTP servers, Git integration, a layout picker, folder backgrounds, an omnibar and third-party integrations.

Settings can be customized across appearance, layouts, tags and folder behavior. The project accepts contributions, with guides to coding conventions, compiling the source and translating the app. Files suits power users and developers who want something more flexible than the default Windows file explorer, with tabs and Git awareness built in.

Key features

Tabs for multiple folders in one window
Dual pane for side-by-side folders
Tags for files and folders
Git integration and a command palette
Cloud drive and FTP server support
Layout picker and folder backgrounds

Good fit for

→Replacing the default Windows file explorer
→Developers browsing Git repositories
→Managing files across cloud drives

Built with: C#; .NET
Tags: file-manager; windows; winui; dotnet; csharp; productivity; dual-pane; git

Files: questions and answers

What is Files used for?: Files is an open-source file manager for Windows with tabs, dual pane, tags, Git integration, cloud drive support and a command palette. It is a good fit for replacing the default Windows file explorer, developers browsing Git repositories and managing files across cloud drives.
Is Files open source?: Yes. Files is open source under the MIT licence. Its source code is on GitHub at files-community/Files and is written mainly in C#.
Is Files free?: Yes. Files is open source, so the software itself is free to use.
Can I self-host Files?: Yes. Files can be self-hosted on your own server or infrastructure; there is no official hosted version.
What are some alternatives to Files?: Similar open-source tools in the Productivity category include ShareX, Flow Launcher and PowerToys. SaaS products in the same category include AWNA, BuildNotch and DodoDeck.
Is Files actively maintained?: Yes. The most recent commit to Files was on 24 September 2026, and the latest release is v4.2.9, published on 19 August 2026. The project has 46k stars on GitHub.