It's no secret that a UWP version of File Explorer exists. Windows 10 Mobile devices have always had one, and we started seeing a PC variant in 2016. Beginning in Windows 10 version 1703, the universal File Explorer started shipping with the OS, although it's always been hidden (you can activate it by creating a shortcut with the following text: "explorer shell:AppsFolder\c5e2524a-ea46-4f67-841f-6a9465d9d515_cw5n1h2txyewy!App").
But with Windows 10 version 1809 coming, there are actually some new features included in the app, which is a bit surprising. After all, this app was created for Windows 10 devices that don't run legacy Windows apps, like phones, Xbox consoles, HoloLens, etc., and there really hasn't been anything new.
As spotted by Zac Bowden over at Windows Central, you'll see the following changes in Windows 10 version 1809:
Drag and drop support.
Better right-click menu support.
Improved copy/paste system similar to legacy File Explorer.
New cut option.
Can set images as wallpaper directly from the app.
UI buttons at the top instead of bottom of the app.
According to Zac, the reason that Microsoft is finally updating it is for Windows Core OS, meaning that the app will show up on upcoming devices like the Surface Hub 2, HoloLens 2, and Andromeda (if it ever sees the light of day). Of course, the app hasn't changed that much, and we've heard that Microsoft has no current plans to replace the existing File Explorer with the UWP one. That could change in time, if the UWP app ever gets to be fully featured.
39 Comments - Add comment