Files update v4.0.28 improves Windows 11 context menus

7 days ago

2 minutes read

Files update v4.0.28 improves Windows 11 context menus

It’s been almost 5 years since Microsoft shipped Windows 11, but it took a while for the operating system to gain a real following and widespread adoption, following Microsoft’s unpopular decision to pull the plug on Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.

Some of the most well-known obstacles preventing users from upgrading to Windows 11 include faulty design elements coupled with strict hardware requirements. As a result, there has been an influx of third-party applications emerging, designed to improve the user experience of the operating system, including the ‘Files’ application as an alternative to Windows 11’s Files Explorer.

View the full changelog ↴

Files v4.0.28: What’s New

Support for the Microsoft Store version of Dropbox

Files now find cloud drives in the Microsoft Store version of Dropbox. Previously, only the non-Store version was seen.

Customizing URL Icon and Shortcut Files

The Properties customization page now supports changing URL icons and shortcut file types.

Smooth scrolling can now be disabled for it Settings → General → Scrolling.

Repair

Fixed an issue where the ‘Open With’ menu was missing for text files.
Fixed an issue where switching tabs with the scroll wheel was not working properly.
Fixed an issue where SEER would restart after being manually closed.
Fixed an issue where setting Stable Files as default and opening File Preview would change the default incorrectly.
Fixed an issue where the Info Pane was not hidden on the Release Notes page.
Fixed a problem with tag searches containing spaces.
Fixed display of fixed file type in hidden objects.

The development of the Files app has also proved to be the case “actively working on performance improvements to make icons load faster.”

In January, Microsoft promised to improve the general experience of Windows 11, highlighting its plans to address major pain points across the operating system, including re-examining its AI strategy.

Last year, Microsoft pulled the plug on the upcoming release of a new feature for File Explorer in Windows 11, encouraging “recommended” files in the large icons at the top of the File Explorer Home tab. It will be interesting to see the plans the tech giant has up its sleeves for the File Explorer Windows 11 app this year.

However, the File Explorer application remains the most important part of the Windows operating system, the one you probably spend most of your time on (probably second only to your browser).