It is free, and available from the Microsoft Store. Guiding you with how-to advice, news and tips to upgrade your tech life. For instance the "share" icon is of no use to . The new version of File Explorer also ships with visual changes for the navigation pane on the left side. 15+ Best Free File Manager for Windows 10 PCs 1. Also, the built-in SFTP and FTP clients give you total control of your file history. Thankfully, third-party File Managers have effectively picked up the slack, churning out exceptional products to meet users demand. This app uses the native Windows 11 icons for Download, Desktop, Desktop directories to give users a more familiar feel. 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. Q-Dir 6. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of File Explorer. Not only does it let you create vertical tabs with ease, but it also lets you create horizontal panes. The page is technically "Quick access" but has a different name, a new (home) icon, and several other changes. When you right-click an item, or inside a folder, you will get a new menu that includes a top row with commands for quick action like Cut, Copy, Rename, Share, and Delete, and then a list of options depending on the item you are selecting. 6. Directory Opus is a paid app similar to Total Commander in design, albeit with a more modern feel about it. File manager for Windows. Click the Extract button. There's a lot to like about Windows 11, but for many people the new design of File Explorer is a let down. We scanned all file managers below for viruses using VirusTotal. Click OK and restart your computer. 4th iPhone File Explorer: iMazing. Windows 11 preview is now available for Windows Insiders and it will begin rolling out to the mainstream audience later this year. Keyboard shortcuts are always handy to get the best experience and also become more productive. Multi-Commander 8. Nor is there an Open With optionfiles open with their default appbut you can open files in File Explorer from TagSpaces for that choice. This excellent third-party app can completely replace the Windows 11 File Explorer. It feels like this is the file manager for someone who spends a large part of each day moving files, more than something a home user might need. File Explorer is a tool designed exclusively for Windows. Windows 11 setup will open, read the license terms then Click Accept button. Windows has a good file manager, doesnt it? 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. You can also confirm that the files are syncing, and you get an option to access the application settings. Compatibility: Windows 7, 8.1, 10, 11, Windows Server 2012, 2019, 2022. Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. Hover over 7 zip and then select "Extract files". Free Commander 2. New York, It is not just your regular File Manager, as it incorporates astonishing features that put it in a league of its own. Whether it is a file edit, search, transfer, or organization, it does it all with aplomb. (Image . 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. This software supports light and dark skin and allows you to search fast and get grouped results. Tablacus Explorer 16. Hover over 7 zip and then select "Extract Files". The Q in Q-Dir stands for Quad Explorer, meaning that it shows four panes for file management by default. Each panel can have multiple tabs, and you can stack the panels vertically or use a horizontal arrangement. Also, it is endowed with two panes for browsing. 1. Open Start. These advanced features are the selling point of the best third-party party Windows 11 File Managers. /s, Windows 10 on Windows Central All you need to know, Windows 11 on Windows Central All you need to know, Save $40 on a wireless mechanical keyboard with a retro style and modern features, The best wireless keyboard deals in November 2022, The best cheap gaming laptop deals in November 2022. Dual pane mode can split the windows either vertically or horizontally, and you can drag tabs around in both just like in a web browser. Although we are getting a new look and feel for File Explorer, this is still the same application but with a different skin. It didnt automatically show my OneDrive folders as File Explorer does, but adding them is simple. Microsoft originally tested tabs in Windows 10 apps four . If you use the desktop version of the Outlook app, starting with this version, you can use the "Share" interface to attach and compose an email without switching applications. Between Windows 95 and Windows 10, these have been written out in a list. Windows 11 Windows File Explorer Issue. Unlike most other file managers, you dont necessarily have to install this software. If those enhancements appeal to you, read on to learn what each of the best File Explorer replacements have to offer. You can switch to single pane mode if you dont need the dual pane. 3. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/windows-11-file-explorer-alternatives, Read Great Stories Offline on Your Favorite, PC Magazine Digital Edition (Opens in a new window), How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files, How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac, How to Connect Your Android Phone to Your Windows 11 PC, Microsoft Adds Tabs to File Explorer in Latest Windows 11 Insider Build, No Reason to Wait: How to Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free, How to Get Apple iCloud Photos Into the Windows 11 Photos App, The Best Web Browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, Safari, The Best Photo Printing Services for Holiday Cards and Gifts, The Best Video Editing Software for Macs in 2022. Furthermore, the address bar in the OneDrive folder will display the correct path to let you know if the file is locally on the computer or in the cloud. This version of File Explorer finally brings support for tabs. You can also open the program from the context menu. Version 1.4.0 beta 2 Download 32-bit Download 64-bit. Files, a third-party file explorer for Windows, recently received an update to version 2.0.33. One Commander came in as a runner-up in the Microsoft Store App Awards. Copyright Windows Report 2022. TagSpaces allows you to add tags like photos and colors to files to organize them into groups and patterns. It has a similar layout to Windows 10's File Explorer and an identical. Lastly, it makes file transfer easy thanks to its Quad (Q in Q-dir) panes. The interface is intuitive and familiar, so its easy to master. As its name suggests, TagSpaces is all about tagging your files and folders for organization with not only keywords, but also color tags and descriptions. Altap Salamander is a highly secure file manager. 2. Price: 30-day free demo, $40 lifetime license, Compatibility: Windows 3.1, 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista ,7, 8, 8.1, 10. Hover over the maximize button, and you can snap in 6 different ways and a maximum of six windows. 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. Its free, but a Pro version adds features such as the ability to add descriptions and geotags. Those tired of waiting for Microsoft to deliver a proper modern file manager can finally download a third-party app called "Files," which promises to fix most of the annoyances . It fully integrates into Windows and whenever you will open File Explorer or a folder it will open Directory Opus instead. In addition to redesigned Start Menu and rounded . It has many of the features that the other file managers have and is strictly a portable program. Xplorer2 4. It may take some time to get used to it. folders and files are available only after purchasing the Pro version. You can get it in three ways: download it directly from the Microsoft Store app where it won a Best app award(Opens in a new window), download it from the organizations website, or get its source code from GitHub. Click the ellipsis icon () next to the "Extract To" field. The interface will be familiar to you, too. However, Directory Opus Pro and Total Commanders capabilities are on par, yet Total Commander costs about $40 less. Here we list Top 6 file explorers for Windows for you to select an excellent partner and boost productivity with your team. FreeCommander 8. 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. Altap Salamander 18. This may be the best free file manager software for Windows. Step 2: Click on Personalization from the left menu. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Supports all major archive formats like Zip, 7-zip, and RAR. RX Explorer is one of the more distinctive-looking options for a File Explorer substitute, with a photo background and tabs. But the company delayed the rollout until today with a new optional update for the OS. Price: 30-day free trial, Standard Pro license $40, Lifetime Pro license $80, Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 8, 8.1, 10, Server 2008, 2012, 2016, 2019, Our testing suggests it works in Windows 11. It is indeed one of the best Windows 11 file managers out there. The new File Explorer design includes tabs to navigate multiple folders in a single window and the ability to move tabs around freely. Step 3: Click on Background. XYplorer 3. In the new version, you will also find an updated Share experience. We have shared a lot of keyboard shortcuts on this blog. The FreeCommander website does have ads, but there are no ads in the program. Then say I'm looking for Pink Floyd and type that into the search box. When you open File Explorer, the first tab is the startup page, and next to it, you will find the plus (+) button to open a new tab. Total Commander (formerly known as File Commander) is one of the most well-known Windows file managers. Here are ZDNET's top picks for a variety of use cases. It's a small utility that enables quick preview for not just images but also files and folders. Total Commander 7. Because Im also a classical fan and former performer, Ive reviewed streaming services that emphasize classical music. 1. ExplorerMax 14. Unlike the other apps mentioned here, the utility has ambitions to be more than a mere File Explorer substitute: Its available in a version for work teams with features like a Kanban perspective, cloud hosting via AWS, and centralized management. 4. You can quickly notice this as many elements continue with the legacy appearance, and many features haven't changed. This makes your work easier and increases productivity when working on more than one file. Just one license (US$ 34.95) covers all of your computers. Furthermore, when you right-click a ".inf" file, you will find an option to "Install" and "Install certificate" when right-clicking on ".cer" files. Also, when selecting an image or zip folder, you will get related options to manage those files. Compatibility: Windows 10, 11, but not 10S. The look and feel of this file manager software is slightly more modern. Double-click this new key and set its value data to 1 to enable the old Windows 10 Explorer in Windows 11. 10 Ways to Fix, How to Fix Could Not Create the Java Virtual Machine Error, FIX: Your Device Isnt Compatible with This Version on Android, Google Drive Files Missing or Not Visible? And now, the menu and the title bar have been combined into one header interface. Dark mode, folder size, and color filters for different folder and file types alone may make it worth the license for you. Price: 60-day free demo, $50 Light license, $90 Pro license, Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10. Windows 11 ships with a new File Explorer, and here's everything you need to know about the experience. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Fix: In StartAllBack, a Start menu replacement app, you can set the taskbar to uncombine by selecting None on the Taskbar tab. You don't risk much in trying them, as some File Explorer replacements are free and the rest are low-cost. It is not just your regular File Manager, as it incorporates astonishing features that put it in a league of its own. Since not all the items from the classic context menu are available in the new menu, Microsoft is adding the"Shift + Right-click"shortcut that allows you to open the classic menu without extra steps. Select it and click okay. ExamDiff ExamDiff is an easy-to-use visual file comparison tool that offers many convenient features for file comparison. The modern context menu receives various enhancements. On Windows 11 version 22H2, File Explorer also introduces a way to integrate OneDrive into the experience. Select Upgrade PC now then click Next button. With tabs, bookmarks and advanced file operations, it allows you to be much more productive! Insider Dev Channel Files - is a must-have file manager app for Windows 10/11 An excellent addition to the regular Explorer or its replacement. Unless stated otherwise, all file manager software listed offers multi-language support. Directory Opus 4. A portable option can be installed from a USB stick to any folder, letting you move your settings to another PC. In this new version, the interface features a skin that matches the design language that Microsoft is pushing across Windows 11 with rounded corners and a base layer that uses the Mica material, an element that lets the background shine through the app that does not affect performance or battery life and falls back to a solid color when the app is not in focus. It has been available for Windows 10 for quite a while. One such source is the Microsoft Store which only houses verified apps. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community. File Explorer in Windows 11 is a departure from File Explorer/Windows Explorer in previous versions of Windows. You can use this shortcut to open Windows 10 File Explorer without disabling the new File Explorer. Files (which appears as Files App in the app store) is an excellent, popular, free, and open-source replacement for the Windows 11 Files Explorer. Files (which appears as "Files App" in the app store) is an excellent, popular, free, and open-source replacement for the Windows 11 Files Explorer. It will not jump out of the second tab, probably to better avoid the clutter of file tabs. TagSpaces excels at previewing your content. The paid version ($2.49) gives you a lot more than the free version, including a vertical split view. If "Nearby sharing" isn't enabled, you can turn it on directly from the interface, and there is a button to select other contacts or apps if they are not in the list of suggestions. Can share files anywhere, including email, cloud, social media. Heres How to Find Them, How to Migrate Windows 10 to a New Hard Drive, How to Add Google Drive to File Explorer on Windows, Amazon Fire TV Remote App Not Working? Let us know which of the apps you find particularly useful in the comments section and if there is any product you would like us to add. Unreal Commander 17. The updated file manager also comes with a new context menu design. New York, Furthermore, re-arranging tabs is a supported feature, but you cannot drag and drop a tab to create a new instance of File Explorer. We didnt include some because they didnt pass the VirusTotal check, or they just werent that good. When it comes to high-level organization and accessibility, the File Explorer has a very long way to go. TagSpaces doesnt offer tabs or columns but you can choose compact and large modes in addition to the standard mode. Wondershare Document Cloud. MiXplorer Silver Price: $4.49 MiXplorer Silver is. Explorer++ runs only as a portable app, yet it can still replace File Explorer as the default file manager. For example, the "Frequent folders" section has been renamed "Quick access" and includes your pinned folders, such as Desktop, Downloads, Documents, and others. Full-featured file explorer for Windows 11 with Tabs! As a result, we are getting a file manager that features a clean and simplistic interface with a new command bar, new icons, and many improvements. Get Explorer++. If you are looking for a file manager that gives you peak Windows experience, Explorer++ is everything you want and more. This is an open-source app known for high-level organization and coordination. The program is often updated with new features, such as the recent Compact mode. For example, by accessing the "Folder Options" from the "See more" menu, you will see the legacy interface. If so, check out our YouTube channel from our sister site Online Tech Tips. The app is available on Microsoft Store, and it's free. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It does everything Explorer does and more. As part of the context menu changes, starting with version 22H2, when you right-click an item, the highlight includes more padding, and the selection now uses a lighter or darker color depending on the system color mode instead of blue. RX Explorer is more than just a file manager. The File Manager, which is one of the most important aspects of the OS also gets a visual overhaul. 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. When right-clicking a file, you will now see "Add to Favorites" to pin the file to Home, and on folders, the option will be "Pin to Quick access.". Everything Everything is one of the most popular desktop search tools that allow users to locate files and folders by their names instantly. XYplorer takes tabbed browsing to a new hight. MuhammadJim 1 yr. ago. 08:15 AM. It was the first major update to Windows 11 since its release last year and brought several changes to . Step 4: Select a wallpaper of your choice under Personalize Your Background. RX Explorer allows you to create file tabs when working on multiple files for easy access. Its look and feel is almost indistinguishable from the pre-Windows 11 File Explorer. WinZip also offers a level of security that is not seen in other File Managers. The profile folders (such as Downloads, Documents, Desktop, and Pictures) have been removed from the "This PC" section to focus the page only on storage drives. To pin a folder to Quick access, right-click (or press and hold) the folder and select Pin to Quick access. It incorporates a fully customizable interface that can be tweaked to your taste. 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. One of its endearing features is the intuitive and customizable interface that is easy to use. File Explorer ticks just a few of those boxes, making this list of the best Windows 11 File Managers all the more important. In addition, when right-clicking a PowerShell script (.ps1), you will now see a Run with PowerShell option in the context menu. Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day! M-Files. Yet, it still lacks advanced organizational and accessibility features. Explorer ++ 3. Files also give you access to the partitions on your PC. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. Windows Central is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. This option doesnt offer a macOS-like view with columns, however. Although said to be Windows 11 compatible, One Commander doesnt support the acrylic window effect. On Windows 11, File Explorer introduces modern icons with new styles, colors, and orientations to align with the latest design changes. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 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. If you use a work, education, or Microsoft account, favorites and recent files in Office.com will also appear on the new Home page. 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. Files & Folder lite 13. Also, you should only download apps directly from the official developers website. Also, you can customize the folder tab to suit your multitasking needs. It's also free. Compatibility: Windows XP (32 bit only), Vista, 7, 8, 10. Files&Folders Lite 11. Left/Right/Up/Down arrow keys. Total Commander 2. 5th iPhone File Explorer: iFunbox. This eliminates delays and gives the versatility of using it on multiple devices. 1st iPhone File Explorer: Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS) 2nd iPhone File Explorer: iExplorer. Since updating to Windows 11 I have found I can no longer customize the toolbar at the top of the file explorer window. Once done, you can launch Explorer and get to the OneDrive folder quickly . You will receive a verification email shortly. However, you will need to install theMicrosoft Office Outlook Desktop Integration app (opens in new tab)from the Microsoft Store. This process will take some time to complete so you need to be very patient in waiting until the process completes. WinZip WinZip is a renowned Zip utility. Fast, powerful, pretty, and easy to use. One Commander 6. May not have enough advanced features for some people, Possible right-click menu integration issue, Acrylic effect not supported in Windows 11, No support for cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, Plugins available to extend functionality, Not as fast as other premium file managers. For many, XYplorer is their top paid file manager, partly because it supports so many Windows versions, including Windows Server. What Windows File Explorer is and what it is used for. 1. Windows 11 File Explorer is excellent for simple content organization. Icons for functions not available are grayed out. 3rd iPhone File Explorer: Macgo iPhone Explorer. We will never spam you, unsubscribe at any time. Join 30,000+ others who get daily tips, tricks and shortcuts delivered straight to their inbox. Find and open File Explorer. If you don't consider yourself a tech-savvy person and relied on the ribbon menu, the settings and tasks will be a little more challenging to find. Whether you need to navigate to a specific path, open a file, or do something else, you can do it in the File app. find all the files, even in cloud and network. Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day! File Explorer alternatives are mainly File Managers but may also be FTP Clients or Image Viewers. 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. The design makes pinned and frequently used folders and OneDrive contents easier to find. The "Favorites" section holds all your pinned files, and the "Recent" section includes all your recently accessed files that are locally stored on the computer or in the cloud. Konvertor 15. Click Yes. Dokmee. Besides its nice look, RX Explorer offers a locked safe area with AES encryption, a quick start panel for frequently used apps . Installable file managers can be set as the default file manager for Windows, including launching with the Win + E keyboard shortcut. We hope you will find the right tool from our list. Run explorer.exe in Task Manager. I personally use the stock File Explorer for that reason and am a fan of its Quick Access feature. Here is the list of all Windows 11 File Explorer Keyboard shortcuts to get the best experience. This will open up a small extraction window. Free Commander 4. 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. So it would be best if you found an excellent functional tool. The later makes . Its fast, full-featured, has powerful utilities, and excellent thumbnail and image preview support. 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. Amaze File Manager, Solid Explorer, and MiXplorer are probably your best bets out of the 24 options considered. Also, the OneDrive folder will show the user associated with the logged-in account. 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. 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. Another finalist in the Microsoft Store awards, Shrestha Files Pro X offers multiple tabs, dual panes, editable bookmarks for folders, and custom color themes. 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. This Windows 11 File explorer does not include the tabs feature, but this feature was expected by many users. 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. Advertisement. Q-Dir 5. With the advancement of technology, you should let the right tools do the job. Did you enjoy this tip? Time-saving software and hardware expertise that helps 200M users yearly. If youre a Fluent Design system geek, you can even choose whether you want Acrylic or Mica material(Opens in a new window) for the background. FileVoyager 12. It is lightweight and has an installable portable version. Frigate3 19. 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. Using the Search bar in Explorer. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, If you use OneDrive, you will now have the "Extract All" option when right-clicking a zipped folder that was previously configured as online-only. Step 2: In the "Type the location of the item" field, copy and paste the following path: 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. It is indeed the complete package you can get. Organizing contents and files look easy until you try your hand at it. Please refresh the page and try again. It is a paid app with a 30-day free trial to get a sneak peek into what you will be getting. This article will present the seven best File Managers for Windows 11/10 to choose from. Heres why you can trust us. For example, the "New" menu won't be available on the "This PC" page, but the "See more" menu will include the options to manage network locations and map network drives. 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. Please refresh the page and try again. You will find a new OneDrive integration and many other minor tweaks. The new interface matches with the Windows 11 design, if you want the same style file explorer on Windows 10, then . Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11. Then browse to the location where you want to extract and save the files. To enable tabs in File Explorer on Windows 11 22H2, use these steps: Open GitHub website. Read now When Microsoft rolled out Windows 11 22H2 in September, officials said the annual feature update would be coming in two parts. 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. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering lab-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. There is also the Onedrive integration that cannot be found in the Windows File Explorer. 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. In this Windows 11 guide, we will show you all the improvements and tweaks available in the new version of File Explorer. Microsoft even includes a new icon for zipped folders. Set New Wallpaper Using Context . For example, if you wish to dock two windows side by side, open the windows and hit Win + Left/Right. If you select an item and right-click, you'll see a series of icons that represent the common cut, copy, paste, rename, and delete operations.