Aside from some minor changes, the Windows 10 File Explorer has been the same for a long time. While other parts of the OS have seen a Fluent Design re-work, file management still looks like something out of 2010. The hinted overhaul is yet to materialize, but fortunately, there’s already a touch-friendly port of the mobile app in the OS that looks more modern.
The new Windows 10 File Explorer which Microsoft developed for Windows 10X and the upcoming dual-screen device Surface Neo has a much more simple interface, with a flat UI design and UWP icons. There’s still none of the blurred glass effect seen in Fluent Design, but it’s a definite improvement.
Microsoft has hidden away the UWP version in the system apps folder, likely because it’s relatively barebone. We’re going to show you how to access this hidden touch -friendly file explorer in a few simple steps. It may not have the exact functionality of the native version, but it should at least look pretty when you’re performing basic tasks.
How to Enable the Modern Windows 10 File Explorer (Windows 10X File Explorer)
Enabling the touch-friendly Windows 10 File Explorer starts on the desktop. Right-click it, before selecting “New > Shortcut”.
Under location, paste explorer shell:AppsFolder\c5e2524a-ea46-4f67-841f-6a9465d9d515_cw5n1h2txyewy!App. Click “Next”.
Give the shortcut/app a name. We’re going to call it ‘Mini-Explorer’ for its basic, lightweight nature. Press “Finish”.
You can now pin the shortcut to your taskbar if you decide you want to use it regularly.
How to Use the UWP File Explorer
You can visit a location in your modern File Explorer by typing in the address bar, just as you would normally. You can also use the search icon in the bottom left to find non-specific files.
In this case, we’re going to visit the pictures folder. You’ll see that they’re displayed with small icons in the default list view.
To resolve this, press the icon with four squares in the bottom-right.
Your images should now be in thumbnail view. You can change them back at any time by pressing the list icon.
Last Updated on May 1, 2020 10:29 pm CEST by Markus Kasanmascheff
