Microsoft moving Windows 11 File Explorer to Windows App SDK

LesFerch · Jul 17, 2023

Josey Wales said:
If they do this, I will use XYplorer as a replacement for File Explorer, I have been using it for years.

But you can already use XYplorer (or Directory Opus, etc.) as a replacement for File Explorer. Why would a change to the App SDK Explorer make a difference? Just trying to understand.

I just tested Directory Opus and, on first start, if you check the option to "replace" Explorer, then entering a path in the search bar or double-clicking the "This PC" or User folder icon will launch Directory Opus instead of Explorer. But Explorer is still installed and can still be launched with its taskbar icon. It all works the same way regardless of whether I'm using the App SDK version of File Explorer or not.

Also note that taskkill /f /im explorer.exe still results in a blank desktop with the App SDK Explorer.

Josey Wales · Jul 18, 2023

LesFerch said:
But you can already use XYplorer (or Directory Opus, etc.) as a replacement for File Explorer. Why would a change to the App SDK Explorer make a difference? Just trying to understand.

I just tested Directory Opus and, on first start, if you check the option to "replace" Explorer, then entering a path in the search bar or double-clicking the "This PC" or User folder icon will launch Directory Opus instead of Explorer. But Explorer is still installed and can still be launched with its taskbar icon. It all works the same way regardless of whether I'm using the App SDK version of File Explorer or not.

Also note that taskkill /f /im explorer.exe still results in a blank desktop with the App SDK Explorer.

I know I can, I try to use a minimal amount of Windows apps as Possible. A File explorer from The Store is not worth using. It seems that MS is on a mission to make everything a Store App. Linux has repositories for apps but Linux knows how to do it, MS not so much.

OAT · Jul 18, 2023

Josey Wales said:
A File explorer from The Store is not worth using.

Files is actually pretty good. Can be downloaded from the store -or not-
But I have been rather pleased with Explorer UWP since its early days in Canary builds

Files • Home

Building the best file manager for Windows.

files.community

LesFerch · Jul 18, 2023

Josey Wales said:
A File explorer from The Store is not worth using.

App SDK != Store

So far, I see no indication that File Explorer will be distributed as a Microsoft Store app.

LesFerch · Jul 18, 2023

OAT said:
But I have been rather pleased with Explorer UWP since its early days in Canary builds

App SDK != UWP

OAT · Jul 18, 2023

LesFerch said:
App SDK != UWP

Don't you think I know that!!!???
That is why I made that statement

LesFerch · Jul 18, 2023

OAT said:
Don't you think I know that!!!???
That is why I made that statement.

But you referred to it as "Explorer UWP", hence my reply. What am I missing?

OAT · Jul 18, 2023

LesFerch said:
But you referred to it as "Explorer UWP", hence my reply. What am I missing?

Never mind. Forget it.

Josey Wales · Jul 18, 2023

LesFerch said:
App SDK != Store

So far, I see no indication that File Explorer will be distributed as a Microsoft Store app.

Microsoft is Moving File Explorer to the Windows App SDK

In an unexpected move, Microsoft said this week that it will transition the Windows 11 File Explorer app to the Windows App SDK.

www.thurrott.com

There are many already in The Store so why would MS not include this one?

OAT · Jul 18, 2023

Josey Wales said:
Microsoft is Moving File Explorer to the Windows App SDK

In an unexpected move, Microsoft said this week that it will transition the Windows 11 File Explorer app to the Windows App SDK.

www.thurrott.com

There are many already in The Store so why would MS not include this one?

No need. It's embedded in the OS.
So if you have Gallery, Details side panel, you already have it.

LesFerch · Jul 18, 2023

Josey Wales said:
Microsoft is Moving File Explorer to the Windows App SDK

In an unexpected move, Microsoft said this week that it will transition the Windows 11 File Explorer app to the Windows App SDK.

www.thurrott.com

There are many already in The Store so why would MS not include this one?

They may, but the tight integration with the OS may mean that it makes more sense to maintain it via Windows Update. We'll see.

OAT · Jul 18, 2023

LesFerch said:
They may, but the tight integration with the OS may mean that it makes more sense to maintain it via Windows Update. We'll see.

Absolutely, the modification of features and layout can be done via the insertion of new xml type code.
It also makes the option to run explorer as a separate process redundant.

OAT · Jul 18, 2023

LesFerch said:
They may, but the tight integration with the OS may mean that it makes more sense to maintain it via Windows Update. We'll see.

BTW, the article posted in this thread is dated Feb, 16 2023. It is old news for insiders.
Currently Explorer SDK/UWP has made it already all the way to Beta insiders.