Majority of the Windows users would rather prefer using the default file manager of the operating system. However, the tech-savvy users would want to try something different from just the default Window’s File Explorer. Although the current version of the Window’s File Explorer comes packed with many features these days, there are still some advanced features missing in the new version. This is the primary reason why the tech freaks prefer a third-party file manager for Windows.
While the features and functionalities offered by the third-party file managers may appear a bit complex, or may be even unnecessary, but once you have grasp on them, you would not want to return to the default file manager.
We expect the third-party apps to advanced features like History, file viewer, Bookmarks, Dual panes, Advanced File Search, Filtered View, FTP Support, Folder Compare, keyboard shortcuts, and more. For your convenience, we have created a comprehensive list of some of the best file managers for Windows.
Table of Contents
Directory Opus
Directory Opus, an old-time file manager software comes with a clean intuitive user interface that allows you to make a choice between a single-pane or a double-pane view. If you want to open multiple directories, you can easily do so through the tabs.
The software also features a file tree that allows the user to toggle through the directories easily, so that they are able to find a specific file. However, among its major features is the search option that lets user search for files across the directories easily and quickly. Another feature that helps you work with multiple files is the option to add tags and description to each file. You can also assign other indicators like colors, icons, and ratings to each file making it convenient to find out the right file.
Moreover, it supports metadata, allows renaming of files in batches, in-built support for FTP that helps smooth upload and download of files without using a third-party app, support for various archive formats like Zip, RAR, etc, integrated image uploader and converter, and so on.
Price: Free 30-day trial available; Upgrade starts from $49
FreeCommander
FreeCommander lives upto its name by offering its services free of cost. This file manager for Windows comes with a dual-pane interface that can show you two different folders concurrently. This makes it convenient for you to copy or move files between two different folders. You can also add folder tabs for each pane for that added comfort as you browse through your data.
Although it’s simple in terms of appearance, it does offer a lot of features that include the splitting and merging files, creating and authenticating checksum, zipping and unzipping of file archives, renaming batches, shredding files, and so on. Best of all, this tool can also open network drives apart from local files and folders. The only downside is, it does not support cloud services or OneDrive. However, in terms of features, it’s a great alternative to the Windows own file explorer.
Price: Free
Total Commander
Total Commander is a veteran file manager software that uses a classic layout with two vertical panes. However, with each update it adds some advanced features like cloud support storage services and Windows 10 original features. If you want to transfer large number of files, then this the best tool for you. You can check progress, pause and resume transfers, and even set speed limit.
It supports multiple formats for archives such as ZIP, RAR, GZ, TAR, and more. It also allows you to install different types of plug-ins for file formats that are not originally supported by this tool. Moreover, it also helps you compare files based on file synchronization, split and merge big files, or content. Renaming multiple files using the multi-name feature simultaneously is also an option.
A clean interface facilitates fast navigation, features keyboard shortcuts that are customizable, and an integrated file archiving tool. Its enhanced search feature is a bonus compared to other file managers.
Price: Free 30-Day trial available; Upgrade available at $34.5
Miroslav says
Try Salamander File Manager. It is free also for commercial use and I like it. It is similar to Total Commander. Small package, but has everything. One of the many good Czech products.
Reza says
Thanks for all this
Fasih Mohammed says
Multi Commander is also an excellent choice
D Rousse says
I did not like the fact that 1- Clover was published by a Chinese company which is huge security issue as the Communist Party is become more belligerent toward the US.
2- the language of the program is in Chinese ( which I do not speak) and it makes it a pain to uninstall. Please do bother telling us these things next time. Explorer ++ on the other hand is in English which and has a very decent interface and less confusing then the new (and improved… lol) Windows 10 File Explorer which sucks. Thanks for the information and have a very good year.
Denis
TR says
Agree with the others, “trial” is not “free,” it’s a trial of a paid version. Bad journalism. Used correct terminology. NOT free.
Anonymous says
It’s not exactly ‘free’ if its a trial version for a paid product or a ‘free’ very limited functionality standard version where you have to pay for the kind of features that would make it useful. Very unhelpful article.
Doug L says
Do you know of a windows file manager that will display milliseconds as part of the duration/length meta data for video files? I need this granular information for an SRT macro script I am building.
Jason says
Free for 30 days is not free. This is supposed to be a list of free programs.