System and method for user modification of metadata in a shell browser

A computer-readable memory device storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computing device having an operating system, facilitate operations enabling a user to modify metadata of a file comprising:

• displaying, by the operating system, a plurality of graphical items in a first pane of a window, the plurality of graphical items representing a plurality of files stored in a filing system of the operating system;
• receiving a selection of a graphical item that is presented in the first pane and that represents one of the plurality of files stored in the filing system;
• presenting metadata of at least the one of the plurality of files in a second pane of the window, wherein the plurality of graphical items remain displayed in the first pane when the metadata is presented in the second pane;
• receiving a user selection of the metadata;
• providing, by the operating system, a context menu when the user selection is received, wherein the context menu provides selectable options to modify the metadata and wherein the plurality of graphical items and the metadata remain displayed when the context menu is displayed;
• and
• responsive to a user input, without opening an application that created the one of the plurality of files, modifying the metadata to create modified metadata, wherein the modified metadata is available to subsequent requesting applications.