Windows Explorer is a core component of Windows. However, Windows Explorer has not received many new features over the years as Windows has been upgraded.
Since Windows 98, I have been a Windows user. The smooth Windows 7 experience, Windows 8 Start Menu controversy, and Windows 10’s current Windows 10 where you need to disable features in order to have an optimized experience.
The Windows File Explorer is one component that hasn’t seen much updating aside from some visual overhauls. Although the current File Explorer functions very similar to Windows 7, it was not updated.
Windows Explorer does an awful job managing files. Why do I need to click four times and use two keyboard shortcuts to move multiple files between folders? Don’t forget batch file renaming or editing.
The default File Explorer is not the best choice if you are constantly managing files and folders within Windows 10. A third-party file manager is better if you need to do the job quickly and with fewer resources.
This post will list the top file managers for Windows 10, which can be used in place of or alongside Windows File Explorer. It offers better functionality.
Explorer++
Explorer++ provides a browser-like experience to manage your Windows folders and files. It works in a similar way to a browser. It opens folders in tabs which you can manage separately. To close or open tabs, you can use browser shortcuts such as Ctrl+W and Ctrl+T.
It is easy to move files and folders among tabs. You can also duplicate tabs and bulk close them. You can also use drag-and drop functionality to move data between the tabs.
It offers tab browsing and side features such as the ability to merge files, bookmark folders and advanced search. There is also a functional preview panel. It’s portable so you can use it anywhere without having to install it.
If Explorer++ is something you’re interested in, I recommend that you read the documentation. It contains detailed information on how to use each feature.
Total Commander
An advanced file manager for Windows 10. Total Commander has a simple interface. However, its advanced features and dual window make file management easy. You can view two windows in the main interface. These allow you to open and access two folders, and then exchange or manage files between them.
To quickly navigate between directories, you can adjust the view of each window. You can also add side panels. You can also list all files in a directory within one window. This is useful if you need to manage a particular type of file.
Other features include batch rename, advanced search and file comparison tools, archive tool, built in FTP client, favorites and duplicate file finder. The free 1-month trial version of this file manager is fully functional. After that you will need to upgrade to the paid version.
Directory Opus
Directory Opus can be used to replace Windows File Explorer. It integrates seamlessly into Windows. Every time you open File Explorer, Directory Opus will open instead. The context menu allows you to open the program.
The file manager has a dual-window interface that allows you to open multiple folders simultaneously and allow you to move and manage data. The interface is intuitive and includes a lot of useful buttons that make it easier to use. You can hide/unhide files by clicking, search within the window, archive files, even if they are located in different folders, or gain admin permission with just one click.
It is available for use free of charge during a 60-day fully functional trial period. After that, you will need to upgrade to the Pro or Light versions.
TagSpaces
TagSpaces offers a different approach to productivity. It allows you to add tags and colors files and folders to make them easier to manage. Although it may not make it easy to move or edit files, you can group files/folders with tags and colors.
To make it easier to see which files are completed and which ones are still in queue, you can create “todo”, “done”, tags. It also includes tags management and a file viewer, which opens most files in a side-panel as soon as you click.
This tagging functionality is available in the lite version, which is completely free. The Pro version includes advanced features such as adding a description and monitoring file changes, geotags, advanced search, advanced search, etc.
XYplorer
XYplorer has you covered if you need tabbed browsing with dual window view. You can view folders in two vertical windows. From there, you can open tabs to add folders. It works just like a browser. You can also access folders within the tabs and windows by using the directory panel.
The context menu has lots of options, including file comparison, copy path and powerful paste functions. There are large buttons at the top that allow you to quickly perform basic functions. It also comes with a 30-day free trial. After that, you will need to upgrade to the premium version to keep using it.
xplorer2
Another great option is xplorer2, which is both simple and functional. This program shares the same dual-window interface, but has more customization options than others and other interesting features. One of the most notable features is the ability to open a panel from within a window. This allows you to navigate to subfolders and the main folder without losing access.
You can easily adjust the window size or position, and even make it horizontal. It has a built-in macro function which allows you to create custom macros to automate repetitive tasks. I think you will prefer it to other tools. Simply turn the macro on and complete the task. The tool will then repeat the task automatically.
Clover
This extension is for Windows File Explorer and adds more functionality than a file manager. After you have installed Clover it will add a tab feature to the File Explorer that is similar to a browser. The File Explorer will open in multiple tabs, and you can manage folders.
This tool is ideal if you want to use the Windows File Explorer, but still need the tabs functionality that third-party file manager have. It will give you the same File Explorer experience but with tabs.
It allows you to save tabs as well as bookmark folders. There are also keyboard shortcuts that can be used to manage tab-related functions. It is completely free to download.
FileVoyager
FileVoyager another file manager offers dual window functionality and tabs to make moving and managing data much easier. It is completely free, however, unlike other file managers on this list. It also features dual windows, which adds some additional functionality.
The 3D panel located at the top of each window shows icons and folders with 3D effects. Although it may not be very helpful, it does show folders with content and can help you navigate more easily. You can see the complete preview of FileVoyager files by clicking on the preview tab.
Tabs are opened at bottom of windows. The new tab duplicates the previous tab, rather than opening a new This window.
It does not have the archive maker or a comparison tool that is available in most other apps on this list. If tabs and dual-window are what you need, it is the best free app.
Read More: 8 Ways Windows 11 is Better Than Windows 10
Windows 10: More File Managers
The above-mentioned manager should be sufficient to manage all your file management needs. If you are still having trouble finding the right file manager, I have listed some other file managers. Although most of these file managers look similar to those mentioned above, they have basic features and an interface that is different.
Q-Dir
Although it doesn’t have many additional tools, there are 4 windows that allow you to open and manage folders. Q_Dir supports basic file movement commands and is completely free. It’s worth looking into if you like quad-windows.
FreeCommander XE
The interface is dual-window and includes a list of directories at each window’s top for easy access. FreeCommanderXE has buttons that can be used to move files between both windows. This file manager, as its name implies, is completely free.
Altap Salamander
Altap Salamander another dual-window file manger. The best feature of this file manager is its support for plugins that can further enhance functionality. Plugins can be purchased to access features such as archive maker, automated tasks, file comparison, FTP Client, and many more.
SpeedCommander
SpeedCommander supports tabs and dual-window functions, and allows you to modify the theme and layout in many ways. The most notable feature of SpeedCommander is its support for cloud storage services. After the 60-day trial, you will need to purchase it in its paid version.
Unreal Commander
Another file manager that supports tabs and dual-window views. It was difficult to use as it used different commands to manage files. Unreal Commander costs nothing and is highly customizable with beautiful icons and themes.
fman
A very simple dual-window view file manager. You can access any file quickly using the search bar at top. It’s small and limited in resources. If you have a slow PC, you might consider Fman.
Ending thoughts
XYplorer, which offers tabbed browsing and dual window view, is my favorite file manager. It also has all the advanced features you need for file managemer every day. FileVoyager is a free file manager that works on Windows 10.