8 alternative file managers for Windows to try

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

They add tabs, smart search, multi-pane interface, and other features that the standard "Explorer" lacks.

1. Free Commander

FreeCommander has tabs, and this makes life much easier for those who work with more than one folder at a time. And there is also a two-panel mode (and panels can be located both vertically and horizontally), a convenient folder tree, a file filter by their names and attributes, a customizable toolbar, an FTP client, and even a built-in mechanism for taking screenshots.

Free Commander →

2. Explorer ++

Completely portable alternative to "Explorer" that works without installation from any folder or from external media. A tabbed interface, a tree-like folder panel, selection by template, a good search, a lot of file sorting options - all this is available. However, Explorer ++ has fewer features than other file managers from this list, but this is compensated by its speed and small size.

Explorer ++ →

3. Multi Commander

A very advanced file manager. It has so many functions that it is hard to count them. It is unlikely that a beginner will figure it out with a swoop, but experienced users will like such a monster.

Multi Commander is equipped with a built-in tool for mass renaming of files, powerful search, a two-pane interface with tabs and quick action buttons, archiver, FTP client, registry editor and image converter. In general, an extremely sophisticated and at the same time free thing.

Multi Commander →

4. XYplorer

High-quality file manager with tab support, powerful search, convenient preview and customizable interface. Files in it can be marked with colored marks, evaluated by assigning a rating, and sorted by various criteria. The application even supports the creation of custom scripts to automatically process multiple files, which will be useful for developers.

XYplorer can function in portable mode without installation. However, you are allowed to use the application for free only for 30 days, after which you need to buy a license for $ 39.95.

XYplorer →

5. Total Commander

An extremely popular application that can do almost anything with your files. And what is not included in the standard delivery is added by plugins. The Total Commander interface evokes nostalgic feelings, but the capabilities of this excellent manager more than cover the lack of beauty.

Total Commander can rename files in bulk, search for them by name, content, format and other characteristics, work with archives and display the contents of folders in different ways. It also has a built-in FTP client. The interface is two-panel, the appearance settings are heaps of here.

Total Commander has a free trial period for 30 days, after which you will have to pay 3,335 rubles for a license. But this is the case when the application works out every coin invested in it.

Total Commander →

6. Double Commander

Impressed by the mountain of Total Commander features, but don't want to pay for them? In this case, install Double Commander. This application has almost everything the same as in the previous one, but at the same time it is free and even has open source code.

The program supports working with archives, advanced search by file names and contents, and it also has a built-in viewer, group renaming, tabs and a customizable interface.

A separate advantage of this file manager is the support for plugins from Total Commander. True, not all of them are installed correctly, but most still work.

Double Commander →

7. Directory Opus

Directory Opus has many features, but a rather busy interface. However, this can be fixed by digging into the settings. The program contains a built-in document and image viewer, can search for duplicate files and convert images. By default, it works in a two-pane mode that supports tabs.

Directory Opus is a professional tool for those with a lot of data to process. There are two versions: Light for $ 35.5 and Pro for $ 64.5. The latter is distinguished by the ability to integrate into the system, replacing the "Explorer", and is able to work with FTP-servers and archives.

Directory Opus →

8. Q-dir

Miniature free file manager. Its main feature is the interface layout switchable with one click. Do you need two or four panels and vertically stacked folders? Just poke the corresponding button in the upper right corner.

The program does not overload the user with obscure functions and is inferior in capabilities to the same Double Commander, but thanks to the customizable layout it will be especially useful for those who are constantly copying and dragging files into different folders. In addition, Q-dir has tabs and file filtering.

The only drawback is that the icons in the application are too small, so it is not very convenient to use on especially large screens. It seems that the author of Q-dir knows about this - otherwise why bother cramming a screen magnifier into the file manager?

Q-dir →