Files and folders on any device are among the most essential parts of the overall operating system. Many business owners and managers go to great lengths to keep these organized and easy to find. This is easy to do on desktop and laptop computers, but on mobile devices, such as the Windows Phone, it’s somewhat more challenging. In an effort to make this easier, Microsoft has recently released a new app for Windows Phone users.
About the Files app for Windows Phone 8.1
In late May, Microsoft posted an article on their Windows Mobile blog announcing that the Files app had been launched. The idea behind this app is that it allows easier viewing and managing of files and folders on your Windows Phone.
With this app you can:
- Browse for installed files
- Arrange files into folders
- Move files or folders from one location to another
- Open or search for files
- Change the name of existing files
- Share individual or multiple files with other users
While this app is a welcome development, there is one feature that makes it great: It allows you to also access and manage files on your device’s SD card – if it has one. This means you no longer have to connect your Windows Phone to your computer in order to manage your files. You can do so directly from your phone.
Where can I get the app?
If you use your device for work we strongly recommend that you install this app, especially if you store files on your device. Find the app on the Windows Phone Store for free. Simply click the Install button in the left-hand ribbon of the page and select your device. You need to be signed into the Microsoft account you use on your phone. You can verify this by looking at the top-right of the page and hovering your mouse over Explore. If you are not signed in hover over Explore and click Sign-in. Enter the username and password of the Microsoft account you use on your phone and you should be able to install the app directly from your browser.
Alternatively, you can install the app directly to your device by:
- Going to the Windows Phone Store app on your device.
- Searching for Files.
- Tapping on the Files app icon (blue square with a white document icon).
- Pressing Install.
The app should start to download automatically and install a new tile on your home screen.
Using the Files app
To manage or view the files and folders on your device, simply open the app. You should see a screen open with the option to either look at the files on your Phone or SD card – if your device has an SD card installed.
When you tap on either Phone or SD card, you should see the file structure pop up. Scrolling up or down and tapping on files or folders will open them. If you tap on the square box beside each file you will see a number of options pop up at the bottom of the screen. Pressing the related icon will allow you to interact with that file. For example, if you select a file and press the Trash Can icon, the file will be deleted. You can select multiple files at the same time by simply tapping on the white boxes before hitting any of the action buttons.
If you are looking for a specific file, make sure you don’t have any files or folders selected and press the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen. Enter the name of the file or folder you would like to find and it should pop up below the search bar.
Looking to learn more about using Windows Phone in the office? Contact us today to see how our services can help.