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As an avid computer user or professional, file explorer or file manager for your Windows device plays an essential role in keeping your files neatly arranged and easy to access. File explorer is a necessity for everyday use as it easily allows you to navigate through your files, rename them, move them to different folders, and delete them. However, there are many file explorers out there that differ in their features, speed, and ease of use.
In this article, we will be introducing top file explorer software for Windows that offer an array of useful features for effective and efficient file management. We have researched and tested various file explorers to bring you the best of the best. Our team has spent countless hours testing the software, analyzing their features, and taking note of their performances. Therefore, you can rest assured that our review covers everything you need to know before selecting the right file explorer software for your PC.
Video Tutorial:
What is a File Explorer?
File explorer or file manager is a software program that is designed to help users navigate and manage the files and folders on their Windows computer. It simplifies file management by offering an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) that enables users to perform various file management tasks, including creating, deleting, copying, moving, and renaming files and folders. Many file explorer applications come with advanced features such as bookmarks, previews, search functionality, and support for cloud storage services, making them highly versatile.
Top 8 Best File Explorer for Windows
Top 1: FreeCommander
With a simplistic two-pane GUI, FreeCommander file explorer software for Windows is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a fast and user-friendly file explorer. The tool offers a Dual panel tabbed interface, which comes with different view modes such as detail view, thumbnail view, and list view, making it easy for you to manage your files and folders. FreeCommander software integrates numerous file management features, ranging from a built-in file viewer, FTP client, and archive file management, offering excellent versatility.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Supports FTP and archive file management
- Offers portable installation options
Cons:
- Limited customization options for the user interface.
- It has a cluttered context menu.
Top 2: XYplorer
XYplorer is a user-friendly, lightweight, and feature-packed file explorer for Windows users, equipped with a host of features. The software’s portable version can be installed on a USB flash drive, making it highly accessible with quick access to folders and files. XYplorer highlights one of its unique features, "Tagged files," which make it easy to organize and categorize your files, regardless of location.
Pros:
- Highly customizable interface offering many color variations
- It offers a portable version that is accessible from a USB flash drive, eliminating the need for installation on a system.
- It has a high-speed file search function.
Cons:
- Publisher only offers a paid version without a free trial.
- It does not support file previews.
- It has a relatively complex user interface, which could be overwhelming for beginners.
Top 3: Directory Opus
Directory Opus is a robust and highly configurable file explorer for Windows users. It comes with advanced features that set it apart from other file explorer software, such as a built-in image viewer, duplicate file finder, and batch file renaming. Additionally, the software enables you to create and edit your scripts, making it highly customizable.
Pros:
- Highly configurable user interface for improved customization
- It has an excellent duplicate file finder, making it easy to clear up clutter.
- It supports script editing and creation, making it highly versatile.
Cons:
- It does not support portable installations.
- It has a high learning curve and can be overwhelming for beginners.
Top 4: Total Commander
Total Commander is a time-tested, classic file explorer for Windows Users. The software has been around for over two decades and is one of the most reliable file explorers around. This software comes with a two-panel tabbed interface, making it easy for users to navigate through their files and folders. It offers numerous file operations, including file compression, file splitting, and directory synchronization.
Pros:
- It has excellent file export and importing features
- Easy to use with a two-panel tabbed interface.
- It has an integrated FTP support function.
Cons:
- The interface is outdated, giving it an older look and feel on modern devices.
- The drag-and-drop functionality doesn’t work as well as expected.
Top 5: Q-Dir
This unique file explorer for Windows offers a multi-paned interface, enabling users to view up to four directories at once, making it an excellent choice for multitaskers and power users. The software is straightforward to use, and it supports drag-and-drop functionalities, making it easy to move files and folders. It also comes with a built-in file viewer and support for shortcuts.
Pros:
- Supports high multi-tasking capabilities
- Easy to use with straightforward interface designs
- Highly customizable in terms of color for the user interface
Cons:
- It has limited search functionality compared to other file explorer software.
- It lacks advanced features such as scripting and synchronization.
Top 6: Clover
Clover offers users an innovative approach to file management with an interface that resembles the Windows File Explorer but with additional tabs available for better organization. This software’s first purpose was to add Google Chrome-style tabs to Windows Explorer, which is where it got its name. Clover supports advanced tab functions like customizable bookmarking and the use of keyboard shortcuts.
Pros:
- The interface is incredibly straightforward and comparable to Windows File Explorer.
- It is highly customizable in terms of keyboard shortcuts and bookmarks.
- It enhances the in-built Windows File Explorer’s tab function.
Cons:
- It lacks advanced file management features compared to other file explorer software on the market.
- The in-app advertisement appears even when you are on professional mode.
Top 7: ExplorerMax
ExplorerMax is a light-weight and fast file explorer software designed for Windows 10 that brings back some of the much-needed functionality and features that Microsoft removed from Windows File Explorer, including Tab and ribbon interfaces. Users can access the Advanced File Finder that has a precise filter where you can narrow down your search parameters. ExplorerMax has added a Quick search feature that allows you to easily find your files.
Pros:
- It integrates the much-needed tab feature that is missing from Windows File Explorer.
- It has a fast and easy file search functionality.
- It comes with a beautiful aesthetic and UI design.
Cons:
- The program can be demanding on the CPU.
- It has limited customization capabilities.
- The free version has limited features and doesn’t include modules like Advanced File Finder and File Management.
Top 8: One Commander
One Commander offers users a straightforward and easy-to-use file explorer software that’s designed to function like Windows File Explorer. It comes with a two-pane interface that features an ergonomic layout. One of its unique features is a Search Everywhere function that enables you to search for files irrespective of the storage location.
Pros:
- Highly intuitive user interface
- It is customizable through different modes such as Dark mode and Light mode.
- It supports file preview and integrates with cloud storage services.
Cons:
- The software has an outdated look and feel, particularly on higher-resolution displays.
- It doesn’t come with advanced file management features that several other file explorer software alternatives offer.
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software Name | Comparison Items | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Price | Ease of Use | Value for Money | |
| FreeCommander | Yes, on pro version | $0 to $49.95 | Easy to use but limited customization opportunities | Yes, for the Pro version |
| XYplorer | No, only has a paid version with a 30-day trial period | $39.95 to $79.95 | Easy to use but relatively complex for new users | Yes, due to its advanced features |
| Directory Opus | 60-day trial period | $90 for a single-user license | It has a high learning curve and is overwhelming for beginners. | Yes, due to its advanced features and excellent user customization. |
| Total Commander | 30-day trial period | $44.95 | Easy to use with two-panel tabbed interface | Yes, due to its varied features |
| Q-Dir | Free version available without expiration | $0 for the free version and $13.45 for the professional version | Simple user interface design and relatively easy to use | Yes, for its multi-tasking capabilities and features such as color customization. |
| Clover | No, only available as a freemium version | Free | Easy to use and comparable to Windows File Explorer | Yes, due to the excellent interface. |
| ExplorerMax | No, only has a free version with limited features | $39.95 | Easy to use with intuitive design | Yes, due to its added features such as tab and ribbon interfaces. |
| One Commander | 30-day trial period for Pro version | $29.99 | Easy to use with customizable modes | Yes, due to its user-interface, file preview, and cloud integration feature. |
Our Thoughts on File Explorer Software for Windows
In our opinion, each of the software listed above offers something unique that will be useful for various users. It would be best to choose a file explorer software that will meet your requirements based on your PC usage. FreeCommander is perfect if you want fast speed and a user-friendly interface. XYplorer is excellent for advanced users who want a wide variety of configuration and customization options. Total Commander is a good choice if you’re looking for a time tested classic or a professional file explorer. Directory Opus is an excellent choice for professional users who want a high degree of customization. However, it requires a steep learning curve. Q-Dir facilitates file organization by enabling users to view four directories at once, making it an excellent choice for power users. Clover is a simple and very lightweight application that performs the basic file explorer functions, while ExplorerMax is an excellent option for basic users who want Windows File Explorer with added features, and One Commander is for those who love accessibility and UI design.
FAQs
Q1: What is a File Explorer?
A1: A File Explorer (or file manager) is a type of software that enables users to navigate and manage the files and folders on their Windows computer. It helps in simplifying file management by providing an interactive user interface that enables users to perform various file management tasks.
Q2: Is File Explorer only available in Windows?
A2: Yes, Windows is the only operating system with File Explorer as the default file manager. You can also choose from a variety of other file managers available for Windows.
Q3: Which file explorer software will be perfect for me?
A3: The best file explorer software for you depends on your usage, preference, and budget. It would be best if you analyzed your requirements before selecting software that meets your needs.
Q4: Is it important to have File Explorer software on my computer?
A4: Yes, it is essential to have a file explorer or manager on your computer. It simplifies the process of file organization, reducing the time it takes to locate and manage files.
Q5: Can I use more than one file explorer software on my Windows computer?
A5: Yes, you can use multiple file explorer software on your computer. However, we recommend avoiding the concurrent use of two file explorer software for better system performance.
Final Thoughts
In summary, choosing the right file explorer for your Windows is important to simplify the management of your files. With the comprehensive list of software reviewed in this article, you should be able to find a solution that fits your needs. Take your time, go through the features, and choose the software that meets your requirements. We hope this article helped you find the best file explorer for your computer.