Windows 10 - File Explorer
File Explorer, formerly known as Windows Explorer, has since become the built-in program for accessing files on Windows computers. However, Windows has put less work into the software because it has limited features, no new functions have been added, and it is too basic for organizing files. Besides, there are numerous alternatives to File Explorer that offer many fascinating features such as language translation, batch renaming , and easy organization of files. For these reasons, using a third-party file manager for Windows is best.
These file managers are very secure, user-friendly, and have a wealth of features. Looking for the best alternatives to Windows File Explorer?
Here are the seven options you could try out:. Total Commander , formerly known as Windows Commander, is one of the best and most used file managers for Windows, apart from the built-in File Explorer. The program uses a classic design but is very customizable. Total Commander opens up to two side-by-side file windows for easy access and file sharing. This file explorer alternative supports the use of multiple languages and has a quick view window that displays image previews and video thumbnails.
Also, you can compare files and use plugins for additional features, which makes it very suitable for advanced file manager use. Other things you can expect from this file manager include batch renaming support, a duplicate file finder to save disk space, a built-in FTP client, and more. Moreover, this program is available for both bit and bit computers.
However, it is both free and paid, depending on how many features you want to use. Download Total Commander. If you are a fan of great aesthetics, this Windows File Explorer alternative is for you. Shrestha Files Pro X is a very tidy file manager with multiple theme colors, both built-in and self-created.
Besides, it has a two-window structure that can be either vertical or horizontal, making it much easier to access folders. An intriguing feature of this program is that you can open folders in a tab layout, just like in a browser, but with six different view formats. The quality makes it easy to compare files. There are also different icon packages for drives, folders, and libraries. Shrestha Files Pro X has built-in zip and unzip functionality and supports drag and drop.
Moreover, it is very stable and fast to use. The program automatically saves and restores the open tab, just like browsers. Apart from the features already mentioned, the file manager also has all the other file explorer features. However, some of its advanced features can only be accessed by upgrading to a premium package.
Download Shrestha File Pro X. This file manager is a premium app that completely replaces Windows File Explorer. It is also one of the oldest replacement programs for File Explorer. Directory Opus has a modern design and offers both single and double-file display options.
It is an excellent file manager since it is integrated with a view pane for previews, just like Total Commander.
Directory Opus lets you view and edit the metadata of files. Besides, you can mark files, customize the status bar and do many other things with the program. This software has scripting capabilities, a built-in duplicate file finder, and FTP support. Also, Directory Opus lets you use both image uploaders and converters on your computer.
As for compatibility, it works well with Windows 11 and 10, and the application has both free and premium packages. However, the premium package is quite expensive it starts at AUD 49 and goes all the way up to AUD , so it is best to use the free version. Download Directory Opus. XYplorer is a tabbed file manager and one of the best you can use on a Windows PC. The program has very deep and comprehensive functionalities. It has a highly customizable interface with many functions in the menu bar.
Copying files is much easier thanks to the optional double window. Moreover, this software has a directory panel for accessing file folders and is optimized with powerful file backup features. XYplorer is a very lightweight software and will not cause memory problems on your computer. You can also automate repetitive tasks with this program to increase ease of use. XYplorer has an excellent file search option with high speed.
Other features of the program include Zip support, saving and automatically restoring open folders, and support for tags and comments on individual file names. Just like some of the previously mentioned file managers, this one also supports a one-click preview of images, videos, documents, and audio. Besides, they are always working on adding new features.
Download XYplorer. Another file manager you can use for Windows is Free Commander. Free Commander is an easy-to-use software to access, organize and explore files on your computer.
The program has a simple and attractive user interface. Like most file explorer alternatives, this application features dual-panel technology and offers both vertical and horizontal options.
However, you can also use only a single window in this application. The features of Free Commander software include the ability to compress files, filter files for viewing, use a built-in file viewer, and much more. Also, you will find several shortcuts in this program that do not exist in other file explorer alternatives. The application is very portable, which means that it can be used without installation.
Just make sure that you have the file copy on your computer. Download Free Commander. It is a well-designed Windows app that allows you to be more productive with the files on your computer thanks to a wide range of functions. This software has two windows, a folder tab, and Miller columns for multitasking, and it lets you preview documents, images, music, and other file types.
It has a fast desktop search that synchronizes folder contents with all the file attributes and functions. You can also use the built-in duplicate file search feature to free up more space on your computer. You can also use color codes to categorize files on your computer. Another feature worth mentioning is stick selection, which allows selected files to stay in contact when you click on other parts of your screen. However, all these functions come at a price. Here is another file manager for Windows with comprehensive and complete features to suit your needs.
This software can better control drives, folders, and computer storage. The Q in the name Q-Dir stands for Quad, which means that the program can display up to four windows simultaneously in the file manager window. This makes file management much more convenient. In addition, Q-Dir has a directory structure with visible tree branches. The application also includes most of the features of the Windows file manager mentioned earlier.
You can use it both as an installed and portable application, depending on what suits you. Moreover, the program is lightweight and can be run on any Windows computer without any problems. You can move files by dragging and dropping them in Q View. Another advantage of the Q-Dir app is that it is free.
Download Q-Dir. Files App is another great file manager for Windows that is suitable for minimalists. The design of the application is so simple and cool with various features like file preview, dual-pane layout, tabs, tags for labeling files, custom themes, and much more. Files App is also free of charge as it is an open-source program. Although the program seems to crash on certain Windows computers, you can still try it out to see if it works properly on your computer.
Download Files App. The seven best file managers for Windows computers have been covered in this article with details on what you should expect from each of the programs. You just have to choose the one you prefer the most to replace or work with Windows File Explorer. Besides, most of the commands these programs use are almost identical to those of File Explorer, making them adaptable.
The additional functions are a significant difference. If you've been using File Explorer or Windows Explorer for a long time and want to switch to another program for accessing your files, Directory Opus is the best option for you. The program is optimized for Windows and will help you effectively organize and manage your documents. The sight of unorganized files and documents in File Explorer irritates most of us. The best way to organize your files is to create a separate folder for each type of file and move the file s to the folder you create.
Many users see Total Commander File Manager as a very intuitive and well-built program. It's also said to be better than File Explorer; this may be true because Total Commander has some additional features not found in File Explorer. These features include comparing files by content, image preview support, packing and unpacking files, and much more. Total Commander 2. Shrestha Files Pro X 3. Free Commander 4. XYplorer 5.
12 Best Free File Managers for Windows 10 in .Explorer++ - A small and fast file manager for Windows
By Eva Williams 3 days ago, Apps and Software. Need a free file manager for Windows 10 to improve the efficiency of working with your file system? It will help you perform the most common tasks for working with files, such as creating, editing, viewing, playing, moving, copying, deleting, adjusting settings and features, and searching for documents.
Any file manager software for Windows adds tabs, smart search, multi-panel interface, and other features that the standard "Explorer" lacks. In this article, I will tell you about the most functional and popular analogs of the standard Windows 10 "Explorer".
Verdict: Directory Opus is a well-known file manager software for Windows. It has an intuitive UI that lets you select a single-pane or a double-pane view. If you need to open a few directories, you will be able to do it via the tabs. Another nice function of this file manager is adding tags and descriptions to files. Due to this, you will be able to work with several files.
Also, you will have the possibility to set colors, icons, and ratings to your files. In this way, it will be easier to find out the correct file.
Verdict: ExplorerMax is the best free file manager for Windows 10 as it offers tab browsing, timeline, and plenty of other useful features for managing files.
This software supports light and dark skin and allows you to search fast and get grouped results. The interface is rather straightforward. Also, you will be able to view only particular files, such as images and documents, which is also a great advantage of this software.
Verdict: This file and folder management software for Windows 10 has a dual-pane interface, where you can view two different folders at the same time. Due to this, you can easily copy or move files from one folder to another. Besides, you will be able to add folder tabs for each pane to have extra comfort when viewing your data.
In addition to local files and folders, this photo catalogue software can also open network drives. Verdict: Total Commander is an old but popular folder manager Windows 10 that has a classic layout and two vertical panes. However, with every update, advanced features appear, such as cloud storage services and original Windows 10 features. If you need to transfer and organize many files, this software will be perfect for you.
There, you will be able to see your progress, pause and resume transfers, and determine the speed limit. Due to its clear interface, this software provides speedy navigation, adjustable keyboards, and an integrated file archiving option.
Also, it boasts a great search tool that is better than in other similar file managers. Verdict: WinDirStat is an open-source file and folder management software for Windows It will help you figure out how much disk space is being used and what exactly is used on it.
With this software, you will be able to check the statistics of your daily use. It also provides cleanup tools for different Windows 10 versions.
The software analyzes any drive or directory that you choose and then displays all your files. It distributes color codes for each type of the file according to the amount of space it takes. This allows you to see which file takes up the most space. For example, the files that occupy the most space on your drive or directory will be in blue color. Verdict: One Commander is a dual free file manager Windows 10 that provides both double window and multi-column viewing.
You can decide on this when you start the software for the first time. Also, you will have the possibility to select between a white, dark, and light theme. Besides, this software offers an address bar that shows all the sub-folders in the existing directory like the folder trees , a history panel that is located on the right side of the interface, which will make it simpler to navigate previous files and directories.
In addition, One Commander provides such standard features as an integrated preview of audio, video, and text files, etc. Verdict: Multi-Commander is the best free file manager for Windows 10 because it offers plenty of tools and plug-ins for managing different files and folders.
This software contains several buttons, all of which are easily adjustable. In addition, there are drive shortcuts for opening certain types of files.
Verdict: This folder manager Windows 10 offers some standard file operations, like renaming, copying, moving, linking, deleting, recycling, as well as a dual-pane layout. Due to this, transferring files between folders will be easier. FileVoyager has a portable version that supports many shortcuts to default folders, such as Documents, Libraries, and Desktop. Also, you will be able to view the size of a file or a folder next to each entry and edit them in notepad.
It offers two versions and has a very modern design. You can choose from a ribbon-style interface to a more standard menu bar. This file manager provides many useful features, including the possibility to choose several files simultaneously without any risks of de-choosing them accidentally by clicking somewhere else.
Also, there is an option for the fast identification of duplicate files and a color-coding option. Due to this, it will be easier for you to identify files and directories at once. The main focus of this free file manager Windows 10 is managing several folders simultaneously.
When you look at its default interface, it seems that the developers created a collage from one file manager they developed. Another interesting feature of this file manager is that you can change the number of panes and place them vertically and horizontally.
In addition, you can also make folder tabs in each pane and adjust it so that it looks more natural. Verdict: XYplorer is a great dual-pane file manager software for Windows Also, it has a folder tree on the left side of the interface for seamless navigation. Other important features of this file manager include highlighting the path and taking it to the current directory, a mini-tree function that allows you to navigate between previously used paths and directories, support for regular expressions, fuzzy matching, content searching, advanced templates, and Boolean logic.
In addition to existing system folders, you can also add other folders. This file manager supports folder archives in several formats and can even perform compressing and decompressing. Directory Opus. Adjustable toolbars, keyboard shortcuts Complete scripting interface Offers batch renaming and viewing features Two simultaneous views only. Total Commander.
Compression plug-in support Utility tools can be replaced Layout enhances productivity It will take some time to perform custom configuration. Color codes according to the type of the file Different perspectives on file sizes Scans can be slow Standard UI. One Commander. Plain and speedy Nicely-designed file manager Based on the icons menu. There is a portable version Easily adjustable Filter-based file coloring Complicated parameters The right-click response is slow. Out-of-the-box functions Easily adjustable Different display modes Cluttered interface 32bit only.
Easily customizable multiple windows 4 windows at the same time You can use tabs in each window Bug may occur. Amazing design In-built media player Complicated navigation. Best Image Optimizer. Adobe Bridge Free. Acdsee Free. Paintshop Pro For Free.
