File Explorer Alternatives
File Explorer
File Explorer, previously known as Windows Explorer, is a file manager application that is included with releases of the Microsoft Windows operating system from Windows 95 onwards. It provides a graphical user interface for accessing the file systems. It is also the component of the operating system that presents many user interface items on the monitor such as the taskbar and desktop. Controlling the computer is possible without Windows Explorer running (for example, the File | Run command in Task Manager on NT-derived versions of Windows will function without it, as will commands typed in a command prompt window). Located in the C:\Windows directory, it is sometimes referred to as the Windows shell, explorer.exe, or simply "Explorer".
Best File Explorer Alternatives for Windows
Want a really good File Explorer alternative? Take a look at these popular alternatives if you're hunting for software similar to File Explorer. Let's take a quick peek at some comparison that highlight your device and platform.
Total Commander
FreemiumWindowsWindows MobileAndroidAndroid TabletTotal Commander is a shareware Orthodox File Manager (OFM) for Windows. Some features include a built-in FTP client, file compare, archive file navigation, and a...
Features:
- Support for FTP
- Dual Pane Support
- Batch rename files
- Built-in player
- Customizable
- Directory sync
- Document reader
- Duplicate File Finder
- File management
- File Searching
- Function Key Shortcuts
- Multiple languages
- Portable
- Quick search
- Search in Archives
- Split-screen view
- Tabbed interface
- Support for Unicode
- ZIP File Mounting
Double Commander
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxBSDTotal Commander-inspired file manager that features two side-by-side panels for navigation.
Features:
- Dual Pane Support
- Cross-platform
- Multi-tabs
- TC plug-in's support
- Batch renaming
- Built-in SSH client
- Dual Pane Support
- File management
- File-sync
- Find duplicated files
- Flat view
- Folder sync
- Help on local file
- Integrated FTP client
- Lua scripting
- Multiple Files Renaming
- Multitasking
- Night mode/Dark Theme
- Optimal performance
- Queued Operations
- Search in Archives
- Tree view
- Two-panel file manager
FreeCommander
FreemiumWindowsPortableApps.comAn alternative windows file manager with advanced features similar to total commander.
Features:
- Screenshot Tools
- Teracopy integration
- Batch rename files
- Built-in viewer
- Comparing folders
- Configurable
- Directory sync
- Drag n drop
- Dual Pane Support
- Explorer-like
- File management
- File Searching
- File-sync
- Flat view
- Folder Size
- Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
- Portable
- File Renaming
- Tabbed interface
- Support for Unicode
Directory Opus
CommercialWindowsDirectory Opus is a complete replacement for Explorer, with far more power and functionality than any other file manager available today.
Features:
- Flat view
- Folder Size
- Assignement of comments to files
- Batch rename files
- Dual Pane Support
- Duplicate File Finder
- File management
- File-sync
- Integrated Search
- Tagging
XYplorer
CommercialWindowsXYplorer is a file manager for Windows. It features tabbed browsing, a powerful file search, a versatile preview, a highly customizable interface, optional dual pane...
Features:
- Folder Size
- Prevents accidental move to folder tree
- Batch rename files
- Batch processing
- Custom Menus
- Dual Pane Support
- Duplicate File Finder
- File management
- File Tagging
- Flat view
- Flexible customizations
- Photo Organization
- Portable
- Scriptable
- Scripting language
- Tabbing
- Tagging
- Tags
Q-Dir
FreeWindowsPortableApps.comQ-Dir makes your files and folder easy to manage. Fast and easy access, with an amazing Quadro-View (4 panes) technique. You dont have to renounce the usual, Drag and...
Features:
- Customizable
- Drag n drop
- File management
- Portable
- Split-screen view
QTTabBar
FreeWindowsWindows ExplorerQTTabBar is an extension for Windows Explorer that brings tabbed browsing to Microsoft's file browser. It comes with a number of nifty features including a favorites...
Features:
- Tabs
- Subfolder menu
- Windows Explorer integration
- Extensive customisability
- File preview
- Tabbed browsing
- Windows Explorer extension
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