Ok, after the debates and rants of many a thread on here, I post this.

I ask Desktop users, what do YOU think could be improved with the interface of Windows Explorer?

And when I say interface, I mean actual cosmetic changes that could be made or design changes that could be made to increase YOUR productivity. I ask this because there has been a bash on the Start Screen claiming lack of productivity and Microsoft is flipping off Desktop users and the such.

Post away!

For me, I would tweak the Ribbon by getting rid of the superfluous File menu and consolidate the few useful items in it into the Home tab and place IE 9/10 styled nav buttons in its place.

And also consolidate the breadcrumb nav bar and search into one, somewhat like in IE 9/10, then move it next to the tabs on the Ribbon to reclaim some space.

Improve either Details Pane to be on the bottom, or have it has a fly out bar when needed.

If the Windows Explorer on Windows 7 does the job, then it may need little or no change because it just works as it is. Some would say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" Its no surprise there would be complaints if its redesigned and to me, its no question, its never perfect and its hard to come up with a better design that many people would like and would easily adapt to. Its also uneasy to see a very good way to improve it. As I said before many times, I don't like the ribbon on Explorer because it made the top portion look bulky and full with tools and stuff instead of simpler buttons and bars that does the job anyway like the Windows 7 Windows Explorer.

If I would be asked what improvement I would like to see with Windows Explorer, I had a brain wave, I say "floating" Desktop windows of opened applications that you can zoom towards if you click or touch or you or throw them in the side if you don't use them. And again, many might not like this idea. Windows 7 is already excellent.

I'm ok with the ribbon oddly of all the things they changed i find that interesting, but i did prefer how win 7 did it.

some of what you mention sounds nice though.

Originally Posted by Coke Robot

Improve either Details Pane to be on the bottom, or have it has a fly out bar when needed.

Agree with this. Not sure what the best design would be but the details pane has always been a mild annoyance where it is and how it looks. Not a hindrance, just an annoyance. The whole "My Whatever" and "Public Whatever" folders are a waste of my time. Whoever designed the mouse context menu should be in another line of work. Why that's such a pain to edit is just plain stupid. Could come up with other minor stuff, but like Vertex said, 7 works efficiently enough for me right now (I also like his idea of floating zooming boxes.) Nothing ever gets in my way in 7, which is the opposite of Metro. Once I get out of that crap, they've improved a little on 7 but enough to get me to buy it? Don't know yet.