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The open-source Files app says its version 4.2.7 makes its own right-click menu more responsive and frees more memory after you close tabs. That is a useful update for people who use Files as a Windows Explorer alternative—but it is not evidence that Windows 11 runs faster overall or that Files beats Microsoft File Explorer in a benchmark.
What changed in Files v4.2.7
Files Community announced version 4.2.7 on August 17, 2026. The release describes a faster, more responsive right-click context menu and improved memory release after tabs are closed. It publishes no latency, memory-use, or benchmark figures, so the gains are qualitative rather than measured. Files Community’s v4.2.7 announcement
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- Middle-clicking an empty part of the tab strip opens a new tab.
- When another app opens a location in Files, the item is selected automatically.
- A filter-text-box issue is fixed.
These are changes to Files, not a Windows 11 system-wide performance update. The release does not establish that other file operations are faster.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat Files offers beyond the context menu
Files Community describes the app as an open-source file explorer for Windows. Its feature list includes multiple folder tabs, dual-pane browsing, colored tags, column view, archive creation and extraction, cloud-drive integration with OneDrive, Google Drive and iCloud, a preview pane, Git integration, file hashes, a command palette, custom keyboard bindings, and toolbar and theme customization. These are project-listed capabilities, not proof of speed or quality advantages over File Explorer. Files Community
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How it compares with Microsoft File Explorer
The update gives Files a specific responsiveness claim to assess: its own right-click menu. It does not establish a universal speed winner. A fair comparison depends on the same Windows build, hardware, files, and actions. If you are deciding which manager suits you, consider the tasks you actually perform:
- Right-click menus: Check how quickly each menu appears and becomes usable on your PC.
- Long tab sessions: Compare memory use after opening and closing tabs over time; Files’ release gives no RAM figure.
- Workflow: Consider whether Files’ dual panes, tabs, tags, column view, or command palette help with your routine.
- File and cloud needs: Check whether its listed archive, preview, and cloud-drive features cover your use cases.
- Windows integration: Decide whether you prefer to keep using the built-in manager and its shell integration.
Windows Central’s Ben Wilson wrote that he began using Files on his primary laptop after version 4.0 launched, alongside other tools. That is one writer’s experience, not a controlled comparison or a prediction of what every user will see. Windows Central’s coverage of Files v4.2.7
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What Microsoft’s context-menu update means
In an August 17, 2026 report, Windows Central said Microsoft’s redesigned context menu was rolling out in preview builds for Windows Insiders. The report described Microsoft’s aims as faster opening, less clutter, and more customization; its expectation of a wider rollout later in fall was not a confirmed release date. The report does not establish that the redesign is generally available now, so check current Windows release information before assuming it has reached your PC. Windows Central’s report on Microsoft’s context-menu preview
Windows Central attributed this explanation to Microsoft engineer Michael Novak: “The menu became cluttered and sluggish, and we recognized the need to dramatically reduce the time between right-clicking and having a menu that’s fully ready to use.” The article also quoted Microsoft’s announcement describing an updated menu as “faster, simpler, and more customizable.” These quotes explain Microsoft’s stated goals; they are not independent benchmark results.
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Where to get Files
Files Community links to the Microsoft Store and the project’s GitHub source from its home page. The v4.2.7 announcement says support through a Microsoft Store purchase or GitHub sponsorship is optional. Choose the distribution route you prefer and review its listing for current availability and requirements.
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