Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of File Explorer. Here are ZDNET's top picks for a variety of use cases. Its function is to manage files and folders with the ability to view, edit, create or delete them. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.Click hereto download and start repairing. Though replacing the File Explorer may enhance your productivity or just offer a more pleasing experience, a downside is that youre not getting the standard system that other Windows 11 users have. Step 2: Click on Personalization from the left menu. Wed like to hear about it as well as any tips or warnings about the file managers weve reviewed. Windows 11's Run box gives you access to many apps installed on your PC, including File Explorer. Its available for Android, Linux, and macOS as well as Windows. It uses a split-pane view and allows you to compare files easily and sync directories. 3. What Windows File Explorer is and what it is used for. On the left side, that's where the "New" menu is located, which includes the options to create a new folder, shortcut, or document. It goes without saying that this app helps Unzip all major formats with just a click of the mouse. If aesthetics is your concern, you might try Files. Managing files in 125+ countries for 20+ years. Unless stated otherwise, all file manager software listed offers multi-language support. We cover Windows, Mac, software and apps, and have a bunch of troubleshooting tips and how-to videos. However, it's still your responsibility to make sure your system is protected. Just one license (US$ 34.95) covers all of your computers. ExamDiff ExamDiff is an easy-to-use visual file comparison tool that offers many convenient features for file comparison. For many, XYplorer is their top paid file manager, partly because it supports so many Windows versions, including Windows Server. Multi-Commander 8. Copyright Windows Report 2022. Microsoft Office Outlook Desktop Integration app, Windows 11 on Windows Central All you need to know, Windows 10 on Windows Central All you need to know, Amazon Music takes aim at Spotify with 100 million songs for Prime subscribers, Windows 11 preview build 25236 rolls out to Insiders in the Dev Channel with fixes and enhancements, Stunning shooter Atomic Heart coming to Xbox and Game Pass in February, Elgato launches Facecam Pro with 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, Minecraft: Java Edition Snapshot 22w44a brings more Creative Inventory changes. Also, its search feature is as fast they come, carrying out deep searches in seconds. Here we list Top 6 file explorers for Windows for you to select an excellent partner and boost productivity with your team. Step 3: Click on Background. But the company delayed the rollout until today with a new optional update for the OS. You can save it on an external drive instead and take your files wherever you go. However, you will need to install theMicrosoft Office Outlook Desktop Integration app (opens in new tab)from the Microsoft Store. Although Explorer++ doesnt have all the advanced features of other file managers, it does what it does very well. Lastly, Windows 11 also brings the new context menu to Recycle Bin. Windows 11 File Explorer is excellent for simple content organization. Organizing contents and files look easy until you try your hand at it. 1. Its free, with a Pro version available for $24 for business use. This excellent third-party app can completely replace the Windows 11 File Explorer. When searching, it's now possible to remove previous searches by right-clicking the entry and selecting the "Remove from device history" option or clicking the X button. Click on the ellipsis icon () next to the "Extract to" field. To pin a folder to Quick access, right-click (or press and hold) the folder and select Pin to Quick access. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008. Another impressive feature of this app is that it allows you to separate the files you have worked on from the others when using multiple files. 2. Select it and click on OK. 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. The reason is that Microsoft decided to save this and other small changes for the first feature drop (moment) update, which is now available to devices already upgraded to version 22H2. #3. Microsoft has done much to improve File Explorer in Windows 11, but you can get tabs, tags, and more by using one of these File Explorer replacements. On Windows 11, when renaming files and folders, you can use the CTRL + Left and Right arrow to move the cursor between words in the name and CTRL + Delete and CTRL + Backspace to delete words at a time. Installable file managers can be set as the default file manager for Windows, including launching with the Win + E keyboard shortcut. Windows 11 file explorer seems to have major issues with file searches. It fully integrates into Windows and whenever you will open File Explorer or a folder it will open Directory Opus instead. Frigate3 19. Directory Opus 5. Dark mode, folder size, and color filters for different folder and file types alone may make it worth the license for you. In the new version, you will also find an updated Share experience. Hover over the maximize button, and you can snap in 6 different ways and a maximum of six windows. Unlike most other file managers, you dont necessarily have to install this software. You don't risk much in trying them, as some File Explorer replacements are free and the rest are low-cost. According to my test on Windows 11 22H2, In File Explorer, if a tab has been opened, then open any folder or Drive again. Double-click this new key and set its value data to 1 to enable the old Windows 10 Explorer in Windows 11. "Files" is not the new app. Following the same design language approach on Windows 11, the new context menu interface includes rounded corners, semi-transparent background, and consistent and straightforward iconography for each action. It is a high-level manager that allows you to use tabs when you are working on multiple folders simultaneously. We scanned all file managers below for viruses using VirusTotal. This software supports light and dark skin and allows you to search fast and get grouped results. RX Explorer allows you to create file tabs when working on multiple files for easy access. The new integration is in the form of a menu in the top-right corner of the OneDrive page, which includes an overview of the storage usage. These are the new changes for File Explorer on Windows 11 2022 Update. However, its still your responsibility to make sure your system is protected. Its free, but a Pro version adds features such as the ability to add descriptions and geotags. Some give you a column view like that in macOSs Finder. Once done, you can launch Explorer and get to the OneDrive folder quickly . Thank you for signing up to Windows Central. It is suitable for people that seldom use file managers but cherish neat and well-organized files. Microsoft previewed the tabbed File Explorer experience as part of Windows 11 22H2, which it released last month. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Windows Central is supported by its audience. 2. A portable option can be installed from a USB stick to any folder, letting you move your settings to another PC. The FreeCommander website does have ads, but there are no ads in the program. Windows File Explorer opening is erratic. Compatibility: Windows XP (32 bit only), Vista, 7, 8, 10. Files App. Constant reboots and restarts do not immediately help but then suddenly it works. We hope you will find the right tool from our list. Also, the "This PC" context menu now includes options, including "Add a network location," "Map a network drive," and "Disconnect network drive," and the "Expand" option now has a new icon. One of the features that quickly sets it apart from the Windows 11 File Explorer is the access to cloud storage such as Google Drive and OneDrive. File Explorer is a tool designed exclusively for Windows. Unlike the other apps mentioned here, the utility has ambitions to be more than a mere File Explorer substitute: Its available in a version for work teams with features like a Kanban perspective, cloud hosting via AWS, and centralized management. The new menu only includes the most common commands, but if you need other options, you can always use the Show more options item (Shift key + F10) to open the classic menu with all the legacy options. When you first install One Commander, you get a choice of layout and whether or not to calculate folder content size, which increases CPU usage but is ideal for people who care about disk space usage. Im an avid bird photographer and travelerIve been to 40 countries, many with great birds! When opening File Explorer, you will find it is switched back to the classic interface of Windows 10. Windows has a good file manager, doesnt it? Whats more, Directory Opus features folder tabs that make it easy to keep multiple folders open at a time. Furthermore, this app allows you to switch between two panes. Right-click a tab will open the context menu with options to close the current tab, close all other tabs except the one you're on, or close all the tabs on the right, keeping all the other ones on the left. Press the Windows + R keys at the same time to open Run. For example, the option to create a new folder now takes extra steps, there are no labels for common task commands, and the settings page to configure experience is a little more buried than before. The later makes . I don't normally use some of the new icons there and those I do use frequently are now buried within 2 or 3 levels of menus. It may take some time to get used to it. There's a lot to like about Windows 11, but for many people the new design of File Explorer is a let down. It is just a blend of style and effectiveness. Compatibility: Windows 7, 8.1, 10, 11, Windows Server 2012, 2019, 2022. Select it and click okay. It is indeed the complete package you can get. It has been around for more than 20 years. XYplorer 11. PC hardware is nice, but its not much use without innovative software. Directory Opus Light is almost a direct replacement for the pre-Windows 11 File explorer, so getting the Pro version might not be necessary. The paid ($2.49) version gets you a lot more than the free version, including a vertical split view. MiXplorer Silver Price: $4.49 MiXplorer Silver is. You can switch to single pane mode if you dont need the dual pane. Advertisement. Then browse to the location where you want to extract and save the files. The solution is simple to find the Best Alternative File Explorer for new Windows 11 and old Windows 10, and also for other Microsoft's Windows Server Systems! You can either have it change the filename to include the tag (e.g., changing photo.jpg to photo[sunset].jpg) or use a sidecar file to save that information. ExplorerMax 14. Also, it might be just me, but the new design might end up impacting productivity. Xplorer2 Conclusion: File Manager for Windows 10 Free Download Whats more, it is ideal for large file transfer as it can be used as it allows you to set file transfer speed limits. The design makes pinned and frequently used folders and OneDrive contents easier to find. Has anyone found a better file explorer. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. File Explorer in Windows 11 is a departure from File Explorer/Windows Explorer in previous versions of Windows. In addition, when right-clicking a PowerShell script (.ps1), you will now see a Run with PowerShell option in the context menu. In the Run box, type the following and press Enter: explorer. 1. Also, it has a tree feature for effortless file organization. One of its endearing features is the intuitive and customizable interface that is easy to use. On the Folders screen, flip the switch beside "File Explorer" to "On." The next time you open Start, you'll see a small outlined File Explorer icon beside the power icon at the bottom of the menu. (Image credit: TechRadar) While Windows 11 has a system-wide search function that you can access from the Start menu, File Explorer offers a search option of . Also, the "Properties," "Optimize," and "Rename" icons have been updated to make them easier to find and understand. The interface will be familiar to you, too. Altap Salamander is a highly secure file manager. It's a simple premise executed. Finally, the updated version of File Explorer includes the"Ctrl + Shift + C"keyboard shortcut to copy the file or folder path to the clipboard when the item is selected. This application was released in January 2021 to compete with Windows 10's File Explorer by offering unique features like tabs. Has that ability been dropped in Windows . It does everything Explorer does and more. RX Explorer is one of the most distinctive options for a file explorer substitute, with a photo background and tabs. Windows Central is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The open-source Files app is basically what Windows 11's File Explorer should have been: the design is consistent with Windows 11's more polished UI, it supports tabs and panes, and. Windows 11's File Explorer Finally Has Tabs. Files & Folder lite 13. Lastly, it has an easily configurable interface that allows you to tweak it to suit your preferences. File manager for Windows. Did you enjoy this tip? The app still retains the same familiar design as the legacy version, but with new visual elements and tweaks making it the major update in many years. So our first recommendation on this list of best Windows 11 apps is QuickLook, and it fixes this problem. You can choose between the colorful new Windows 11 standard folder icons and flat, line-drawn ones. Price: Free limited version for home use, Pro portable $8, Pro installable $19.99. Although the Windows 11 2022 Update (version 22H2) began to roll out to compatible devices on September 20, it didn't include the highly anticipated update for File Explorer. The program has a wealth of settings for detailed configuration. Since updating to Windows 11 I have found I can no longer customize the toolbar at the top of the file explorer window. You can also open the program from the context menu. In addition, the Show submenu houses the options to manage the left pane view, show or hide extensions, or hidden items. It has a built-in password manager that allows you to protect your sensitive files and folders. In this Windows 11 guide, we will show you all the improvements and tweaks available in the new version of File Explorer. Search will run for a LONG time and many times find nothing, even if I have a Pink Floyd album or title on the screen. It has two versions The professional edition and the Ultimate edition both available on a 21-day free trial. Here's a closer look at the new Windows 11 icons. The right tools make file organization a breeze by offering advanced features for searching, sorting, accessing, and transferring files. Windows 11 File Explorer. This is not a new feature, folder preview was supported on Windows 10, but for some reason, it was removed in the original release of Windows 11. Xplorer2 file manager is another file manager with a Pro version thats essentially a one-to-one replacement for File Manager and an Ultimate version with all the bells and whistles. Like the stock Explorer, Files App works with cloud storage services such as OneDrive (the default) and Google Drive, and it can preview and unzip files. With tabs, bookmarks and advanced file operations, it allows you to be much more productive! Total Commander 5. Directory Opus 12 3. Once you upgrade to version 22H2, you will notice a tab system that allows you to navigate multiple folders and drive locations without opening another instance of the file manager. The new interface matches with the Windows 11 design, if you want the same style file explorer on Windows 10, then . If you use a work, education, or Microsoft account, favorites and recent files in Office.com will also appear on the new Home page. Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day! His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. This list is not arranged in any particular order. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community. One of the most dramatic shifts away from tradition in Windows 11 File Explorer comes from the new right-click (context) menu. One Commander offers dual-pane browsing, tabs, columns navigation, tags (including color tags), editable themes, and built-in preview, among other features. XYplorer 3. Best of all, it has no ads and it doesn't track your devices. It has a neat user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. This process will take some time to complete so you need to be very patient in waiting until the process completes. Its fast, full-featured, has powerful utilities, and excellent thumbnail and image preview support. *In the free version, the functions are limited. Another subtle addition is the support to show previews of items inside a folder. Prior to my current role, I covered software and apps for ExtremeTech, and before that I headed up PCMags enterprise software team, but Im happy to be back in the more accessible realm of consumer software. Explorer++ 6. TagSpaces allows you to add tags like photos and colors to files to organize them into groups and patterns. This Windows 11 File explorer does not include the tabs feature, but this feature was expected by many users. This is another free, open-source file manager with impressive features that complements Windows 11 perfectly. With this feature, you can easily access your files from these cloud storage without necessarily using a browser. You guys didn't talk about the new tabbed file explorer windows that MS implemented, just the few cosmetic changes. Also, it allows you to use color code to organize your files. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Not only does it let you create vertical tabs with ease, but it also lets you create horizontal panes. Click it, and File Explorer will open. It has a fully customizable interface as you can switch the navigation menu to the left, customize fonts, colors, transitions, animations, and backgrounds, among others. Join 30,000+ others who get daily tips, tricks and shortcuts delivered straight to their inbox. Then say I'm looking for Pink Floyd and type that into the search box. 9. There is also the Onedrive integration that cannot be found in the Windows File Explorer. Our testing suggests it works in Windows 11. File Explorer alternatives are mainly File Managers but may also be FTP Clients or Image Viewers. Q-Dir (aka the Quad Explorer) is a lean little file manager that - as its name suggests - gives you up to four file panes to play with at once. Run will open a new File Explorer window. At setup, it takes you through a wizard tutorial of tooltips showing you how to use it. NY 10036. It will not jump out of the second tab, probably to better avoid the clutter of file tabs. You can easily encrypt your files as you Zip it to protect your data. Click Yes. Mac Finder is certainly a lot more configurable, and Dolphin looks prettier, but when it comes to actually using it for files, they function about the same. Manage files and folders, work with archives in the formats .rar, .7z, .zip, .tar, etc., watch videos and photos, edit documents in the .txt and .rtf formats. The update includes a handful of new features, including the ability to set Files as the. 1. Windows Central is supported by its audience. Therefore, it is part of the operating system itself. Theres no more ribbon toolbar, the visible functions are limited, and some functions arent always there. This extends . Microsoft has been working on tabs in the Windows File Explorer off and on for years, but the company never fully rolled out the feature Finally, at long last, everyone (on Windows 11) is getting tabs in the File Explorer. Explorer ++ 3. folders and files are available only after purchasing the Pro version. The program is often updated with new features, such as the recent Compact mode. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. M-Files. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Altap Salamander 18. Open Start. Although we are getting a new look and feel for File Explorer, this is still the same application but with a different skin. This guide contains a list of the 11 best Windows 11 File Managers that will equip you with the necessary features to organize and access your files. If youre one of those people, why not try one of these better file managers for Windows 11? It's a small utility that enables quick preview for not just images but also files and folders. You get to switch between two panes to make your work easier. As you select the Linux entry on the left, you will have access to all the distros installed on the computer, and accessing each distro will place you at the root directory of that distribution. Microsoft originally tested tabs in Windows 10 apps four . Finally, it gives you the option of adding file descriptions for easy identification and location of files. Click the Extract button. The app also offers separate trees, logging, enhanced overwrite dialogs, and custom columns. Total Commander 7. It is free, and available from the Microsoft Store. Guiding you with how-to advice, news and tips to upgrade your tech life. In this guide, we will make you familiar with some of the best iOS explorers for Windows and Mac that you should use. You can use this shortcut to open Windows 10 File Explorer without disabling the new File Explorer. The look and feel of this file manager software is slightly more modern. Also, you can customize the folder tab to suit your multitasking needs. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. It is also not totally free from bugs and crashes as some users still complain that Windows 11 File Explorer search is not working. In Windows 11, snapping windows is now on another level. 7 Ways to Fix, Discord Keeps Disconnecting and Reconnecting? Unreal Commander 17. Because Im also a classical fan and former performer, Ive reviewed streaming services that emphasize classical music. Instructions on How to Use File Explorer in Windows 11: To open File Explorer in Windows 11, click the "File Explorer" app icon in the Windows taskbar. Finally, the three-dotted icon on the right side is for the "See more" menu that includes the commands for selections, compressed to ZIP file, and Options to manage the app settings. Ive been reviewing software for PCMag since 2008, and I still get a kick of seeing what's new in video and photo editing software, and how operating systems change over time. This article will present the seven best File Managers for Windows 11/10 to choose from. 4]Files - File Manager for Windows Files is one of the best file manager apps for Windows 11 and Windows 10. It supports FTPS, FTP, SCP, and SFTP to make your online file transfer effortless. Now, with the launch of Windows 11, Files reaches its version 2 with a huge qualitative leap. New York, Its look and feel is almost indistinguishable from the pre-Windows 11 File Explorer. This version of File Explorer finally brings support for tabs. Since the ribbon with tabs is no longer a thing, the file manager is using three new drop-down menus, including "Sort and group options," "Layout and view options," and "See more" to house the remaining options. Explorer ++ 8. The File Explorer has seen some major improvements in the latest Windows 11 updates with speed and performance boosts added to it. Install QuickLook ( Free) 2. The View (Layout and view options) menu is where you will find the options to show items in different sizes, such as extra-large, large, small, list, details, and more. Also, when selecting an image or zip folder, you will get related options to manage those files. It is a fully packed app with style and substance. 12 best tips to free up hard drive space on Windows 11, How to create a dual-boot setup on Windows 11, People spent $3000+ on this rare Warcraft mount, and now it's going free. Our tests showed it to be safe, but its your responsibility to ensure its safe for your system. Set New Wallpaper Using Context . If you want to fully replace Windows File Explorer, then Directory Opus is the perfect file manager. You can also use the"Ctrl + T"keyboard shortcut to create a new tab or the"Ctrl + W"to close the current tab you're viewing. The modern context menu receives various enhancements. Coming over to File Explorer in Windows 11, the first thing you'll likely notice is the new icons for Windows folders like Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and Videos. Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. Then browse to the location where you want to extract and save the files. Guy has been published online and in print newspapers, nominated for writing awards, and cited in scholarly papers due to his ability to speak tech to anyone, but still prefers analog watches. One Commander One Commander gives you the balance of style and substance in a single application. For example, if you wish to dock two windows side by side, open the windows and hit Win + Left/Right. It is lightweight and has an installable portable version. The Sort (Sort and group options) menu includes the options to sort content by name, date modified, type, and more. Also, there is an option to access the Nearby sharing settings page at the bottom of the page. Pricing for those tiers starts at $39 per year per user for Pro and $48 for Pro Web. Most of the replacements, however, work as wrappers around the File Explorer to add features and change the experience. TagSpaces excels at previewing your content. Best Windows File Explorer Alternatives 1. On Windows 11, File Explorer introduces modern icons with new styles, colors, and orientations to align with the latest design changes. Remove Background with a Single-Click in One Second with cutout.pro: https://www.cutout.pro/?vsource=Youtube_techbased Download link and more info: https:. For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. Supports all major archive formats like Zip, 7-zip, and RAR. Compared to Windows File Explorer, this app features an extensive list of networking tools for file transfer. That said, it's one of the simplest and easiest on the eyes among the File Explorer replacements listed here. We have shared a lot of keyboard shortcuts on this blog. The Q in Q-Dir stands for Quad Explorer, meaning that it shows four panes for file management by default. For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. Keep an eye on your inbox! Directory Opus is a paid app similar to Total Commander in design, albeit with a more modern feel about it. Step 4: Select a wallpaper of your choice under Personalize Your Background. With this, you can create a sync to save and manage your files on the cloud platform. Media Valet. In this new version, the default file manager forWindows 11 (opens in new tab)finally brings support for tabs, redesigned navigation pane, and a new "Home" page with better access to recent and favorite files and folders. Tip: To enable the new Windows 11 File Explorer, change the value data to 0. It is a paid all-rounder app that packs in excellent features and capabilities. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. Here is the list of all Windows 11 File Explorer Keyboard shortcuts to get the best experience. The latest update comes almost a month after Microsoft rolled out the Windows 11 22H2 update, otherwise known as Sun Valley 2. Open File Explorer > Folder options. Icons for functions not available are grayed out. On installation, Windows blocked the install. It is not just your regular File Manager, as it incorporates astonishing features that put it in a league of its own. If you are looking for a file manager that gives you peak Windows experience, Explorer++ is everything you want and more. The first feature drop for Windows 11 Version 22H2 has finally brought a native tabbed interface to File Explorer. With rounded corners and new icons, it looks quite different from the File Explorer I am used to. That is changeable, of course. One Commanders unique look is part of their challenge against, existing workflows that remained unchanged since the 90s, and to improve your interaction with the filesystem . These file managers are very secure, user-friendly, and have a wealth of features. Price: 30-day free trial, Standard Pro license $40, Lifetime Pro license $80, Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 8, 8.1, 10, Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, Our testing suggests it works in Windows 11. If those enhancements appeal to you, read on to learn what each of the best File Explorer replacements have to offer.