It’s now simpler to quickly preview files in Windows 11 thanks to a new integration. Files, a popular alternative to the standard file explorer, now works with PowerToys Peek, letting you instantly see file contents.
I was really excited to see the latest update to Files – version 4.0.24! It actually started becoming available right after Christmas, during that week between the holidays and New Year’s.
Peek lets you quickly preview files without fully opening them. It works much like the Quick Look feature on Apple computers. Other apps, like QuickLook and Seer, offer similar capabilities.
Peek allows you to quickly preview files directly, without needing to launch a separate application. This helps your computer run more smoothly by freeing up resources. It works with many different file types, including Office documents, videos, images, and web pages.
The Peek feature for PowerToys was first introduced in 2022. It’s now part of PowerToys and has been improved multiple times, most recently with support for WebP image files.
Adding Peek directly into Files makes it easier for people who like using the Peek file explorer app to get their work done.
If you’ve already installed PowerToys and have the newest version of Files, the feature should start working right away.
Files v4.0.24 change log
PowerToys Peek
We’re happy to announce that PowerToys Peek is now supported! This handy tool lets you quickly preview files in Windows. If you already have PowerToys installed, it will work automatically – just select a file in File Explorer and press the spacebar to see a preview. You can find more details about PowerToys Peek in the official documentation: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/peek.
Right Click Context Menu
You can now right-click on widgets in the sidebar and on the home page to copy their content.
Faster File & Folder Creation
Now, when you create a new file or folder, a suggested name is already filled in for you. This lets you create things quickly, and you can always change the name if you want to.
Omnibar
We added a shadow to the Omnibar suggestions flyout to better align with WinUI styling.
Status Center
Added text wrapping for longer folder names in the Status Center.
Tags
Added support for AND OR operators when searching for tags.
Fixes
- Fixed a crash that would occur when resizing the window in Dual Pane mode.
- Fixed a crash that would occur when switching git branches during a merge conflict.
- Fixed an issue where PNG-based .ico files with black backgrounds displayed incorrectly in the sidebar.
I’ve been a long-time user of Files and I actually prefer it over the standard File Explorer in Windows 11. I like its look and what it can do. Plus, I’ve been watching its development for years, which gives me a good understanding of how apps are built.
I really like how Files looks and works, but it can sometimes be a bit slow. My laptop is powerful, so I haven’t had many problems with crashes or glitches recently. However, performance might vary depending on the device you’re using.
You can download and try Files at no cost to ensure it runs smoothly on your computer. It’s available on both GitHub and the Microsoft Store. If you find it useful, you can support its continued development by sponsoring the project on GitHub.
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- 7 Home Alone Moments That Still Make No Sense (And #2 Is a Plot Hole)
- Stephen Colbert Jokes This Could Be Next Job After Late Show Canceled
- DCU Nightwing Contender Addresses Casting Rumors & Reveals His Other Dream DC Role [Exclusive]
- Is XRP ETF the New Stock Market Rockstar? Find Out Why Everyone’s Obsessed!
- 10 X-Men Batman Could Beat (Ranked By How Hard It’d Be)
- Beyond Gaussian Beams: A New Testbed for Quantum Advantage
- Kylie Jenner Makes Acting Debut in Charli XCX’s The Moment Trailer
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Inside Prince Andrew and Ex-Wife Sarah Ferguson’s Unusual Relationship
2025-12-30 16:10