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A simple file manager for windows. File managers

Many users are not satisfied with the functionality of the standard Windows file manager called "Explorer". To expand the scope of options, users download and install additional software. What utilities are suitable for "dozens"?

What is a file manager and why is it needed

File Manager is a utility designed to work with files and directories (folders) on various media: hard drives, flash drives, CDs, DVDs, etc. In the manager window, users can perform the simplest and most frequent actions with documents and entire directories: create , open, view, copy, rename, delete, change attributes, transfer, etc.

The file manager also allows you to quickly search for certain documents in the file system and change the rights (extend or restrict access to them).

In the file manager, users can rename, move, delete files and more

There are two types of managers: navigation and two-pane. The classic Windows utility "Explorer" is an example of a navigation manager. Third-party utilities are usually two-pane, although there are interfaces that are not divided into several parts or imply the inclusion of one or more panels in the settings.

The main advantage of two-panel programs is speed and ease of use. The number of clicks decreases when performing actions with files (copying, moving, etc.).

In two-pane managers, it is convenient to transfer and copy files from one folder to another

Third-party file managers usually offer options for professional use: backup, networking (via NFS, FTP, etc.), printer management, and more.

Popular file managers for "dozens"

There are quite a few file managers that are suitable for the "dozens". Consider the most famous options for paid and free utilities.

Total Commander

Total Commander is an ageless "classic", a two-panel assistant for working with the file system. The utility was previously known as Windows Commander. It was written two decades ago by the Swiss developer Christian Giesler.

In Total Commander, you can change a large number of parameters in the "Settings" window

You will have to pay for using the manager - 40 euros per user. This is perhaps the only negative that may scare away some users. The interface has been translated into Russian and many other languages.

The functionality includes the following features:

An integrated FTP client that supports a secure connection.
Fast and advanced search through the use of specific queries.
Support for various plugins and scripts that expand the manager's feature set.
Processing archives, extracting files from them. Supported archive formats are: ZIP, 7ZIP, ARJ, LZH, RAR, UC2, TAR, GZ, CAB, ACE.
Create bookmarks.
Customizing the menu and appearance of the manager.
Automatic interface scaling.
Copying files to a directory without having to launch it in a second panel.
Rename, delete and copy objects in the background.
Display frequently used utilities in a drop-down menu.
Option to search for files "Older than...".
History of queries for searching objects.
Splitting and combining documents.
Permanent access to the network environment and the file system of computers on the network.
Support for Drag-and-Drop technology, which allows you to more quickly and conveniently manage items in the file system.

Total Commander is suitable for such Windows variants as: 2000, XP, NT, ME, 98, 95, Vista, 7, 10. The developer also wrote a version of the manager for Android, which, by the way, is already distributed free of charge.

Total Commander supports directory synchronization feature

The application is available for download on the official website of the developer. First, each user is given the opportunity to work in the manager for free.

Video: review of the classic third-party manager Total Commander

oMega Commander is another paid version of the functional manager, the interface of which consists of two panels. The app developer is the Pylonos team. The utility is translated into Russian and supports plugins that are constantly updated and created.

The interface of oMega Commander is very colorful and convenient: file types are distinguished by colors

The menu can be customized: list, icons, thumbnails, tabs. The interface is simpler and clearer than that of Total Commander.

Among all the features of the manager, we highlight the main ones:

Tape interface: transfer, formatting, renaming tapes.
Create, save and pin tabs, as well as their color separation.
Highlight elements according to their format.
Checking the boxes next to files.
Multi-window interface with a list of favorite windows.
Working with archives as with standard folders.
Advanced search for objects in the system.
Built-in editor.
Complete safe deletion of elements without the possibility of recovering them in the future.
Splitting and merging files.
Control of free space on the media.

Although this manager is considered quite powerful, it still has some drawbacks: the lack of a web client and a shareware download and installation. After a certain period of use, they will be asked to pay for work in the manager. The price, however, is up to you.

Users set the price of oMega Commander themselves

If you do not need to work online in a file manager and use other additional features, this program will suit you. You need to download it on the official website. The installer weighs only 7.1 MB. It is suitable for Windows versions from XP to "tens".

FreeCommander is a real find for fans of free programs with a sufficient set of functions. The application was developed by a Polish programmer (Marek Jasinski). The program supports the Russian language and many tabs, and can also work in both single-pane and dual-pane modes (horizontal and vertical arrangement).

In the FreeCommander window, you can preview images without running separate utilities

The utility offers its users the following:

Work with files in archives of such formats: ZIP, RAR, and CAB.
Portable version (run the program from any removable drive).
Flexible interface customization similar to oMega Commander, including choice between thumbnails, tables, horizontal and vertical lists. Various color schemes are also available, which can be downloaded separately.
Complete removal of objects without the possibility of returning them to the catalog in the future.
Built-in FTP client.
Quick launch of the built-in DOS command console for text management.
Control the total amounts of items in folders.
Comparison and synchronization of directories.
Quick preview of objects right in the manager window.
Group renaming of elements.
Hotkey support.
Creation of screenshots.

The main disadvantage of a free manager is that its functionality is narrower than that of paid options. However, even the proposed amount of options is more than enough even for the average user.

The program makes the following requirements for the computer:

Windows XP-10;
2 GB RAM;
100 MB of free disk space.

Double Commander is a convenient and simple manager from a Russian manufacturer that works without any payments. The interface consists of two panels. The program supports multiple platforms including Windows, Mac OS, FreeBSD and Linux. It works not only in Windows 10, but also in older versions of Windows: 7, 8, 8.1, XP, Vista. Manager developer - Alexander Koblov. The application does not have its own website. It can be downloaded from the creator's official page at this .

Double Commander was created by Russian developer Alexander Koblov

The functionality of this manager includes the following:

Opening folders in multiple tabs (for each panel).
Renaming a group of objects at once.
Performing actions in the background.
File preview.
Working with archives (ZIP, GZ, TGZ, LZMA (7z), as well as BZ2, RPM, CPIO, DEB, RAR), including copying from one to another without extracting objects.
Advanced search: use of regular expressions and search by text in files.
Buttons on the top toolbar for launching external utilities.
Support for Total Commander plugins: WCX, WDX, WLX and WFX.
Integrated text editor with syntax highlighting and player that supports popular audio and video formats.
Using Lua Scripts.
Compare files and folders.

The program interface can be customized, for example, changing the background from light to dark.

In Double Commander, you can change the color scheme of the interface

The minus of the utility is the lack of a web client. A portable version is available for download. The installation package weighs just over 11 MB.

Video: how to install DoubleCommander

SpeedCommander is a paid product from the German SpeedProject development team with an impressive set of features. The manager consists of two panels that can be placed both vertically and horizontally. For two months, the program can be used free of charge without any restrictions in functions. You can download the file manager from the official resource of the creator.

SpeedCommander is free to use for two months

SpeedCommander can perform the following tasks:

Create virtual folders.
View files in over 80 formats.
Connect to the network via FTP, FTP-SSL and SFTP servers.
Edit texts with syntax and spell checking.
Work with 13 types of archives (merging and unpacking).
Synchronize and compare objects in directories.
Group and filter files.
Run batches of operations, macros.
Create your own work packages.

The negative aspects of the paid utility are the heavy load on the hardware of the device and the absence of the Russian language. The manager has the following requirements for the PC:

OS - Windows 7, 8, 10;
processor - 1 GHz;
RAM - 512 MB;
free disk space - 51 MB.

Unreal Commander is similar in interface to Total Commander. Its creator is developer Max Diesel. The program supports the Russian language. To use it, you must first obtain a free license key that the system creates on the official website of the program. From here it is recommended to download its installer.

Unreal Commander lets you rename multiple files at once

Unreal Commander provides its customers with the following options:

Support for plugins and add-ons written for Total Commander, with the exception of those created for the file system.
Working with an FTP client.
Built-in multi-format audio player.
Group renaming of objects.
Working with archives of such formats as: ZIP, RAR, ACE, CAB, JAR, TAR, LHA, GZ, TGZ, ARJ.
Thumbnail previews and quick previews with built-in tools.
Checking the sums of objects in directories.
Integrated download and backup utilities.
Advanced search on a separate panel.
Directory synchronization.
Skin support.
By quickly assigning an icon to a directory and others.

The program works on all popular versions of Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10.

NexusFile is a file manager from Xiles, available for free download on the official website. The installer will load quickly, as it weighs only 3.2 MB. On the specified resource you can download a portable version.

In NexusFile, you can fine-tune the interface: different colors for file types, background, icons, and more

NexusFile can be compared with the paid oMega Commander in terms of its appearance customization capabilities. In it, you can customize the color scheme, change folder icons and install skins - themed covers. When copying, however, the previously installed directory icons disappear, they have to be re-installed.

In a special window with settings, you can change the colors for different types of files.

NexusFile provides its users with the following features:

Just Manager is a free product from the developer Nikita Leontiev, which is equipped with all the main functions of a modern file manager (tabs, FTP client, group file renaming, advanced file search and filtering, etc.). You can download the utility installer from the official resource.

In Just Manager, you can quickly open the "Command Prompt" or the "Run" window

The program boasts the following range of features:

Installing up to 16 panels.
Changing the color of files in the list depending on the extension.
Browsing Windows system folders.
Full Unicode support.
Quick start "Command line".
Support for the Russian language, hot keys.
Operation Drag-and-Drop and others.

With all these advantages, the utility still weighs little. The installer takes about 1 MB. A portable version of Just Manager is also available for download.

Paid programs (Total Commander, oMega Commander, Directory Opus and others) usually provide more features than free ones. However, it is still not worth discounting the latter: their functionality is quite enough for normal home use and speeding up the process of working with files. If you need free software with web client support, choose MultiCommander, Double Commander or NexusFile. Free Commander is a utility with narrower functionality, but even it allows you to view images directly in its window and listen to audio thanks to the built-in player.

Android's built-in file handling is good, but it still lacks a few very valuable features. For example, root rights or a built-in archiver. You can solve this problem by installing a third-party file manager. How to choose the best file manager for Android? Recommendations below.

#10 - Amaze File Manager

The ranking of the best file managers opens Amaze File Manager. This application can be called an ideal lightweight client for managing user files. Amaze File Manager has a clear design, customizable design and Root Explorer.

Amaze File Manager has everything you need to quickly uninstall apps, navigate folders and sync with Google+. The file manager interface is completely in Russian, supported Android versions are 4.0 and higher.

Conclusion: a lightweight and functional client with no ads. Ideal for novice users.

#9 - MK Explorer

The design of MK Explorer is made in the style of Material, this trend is now followed by most software developers. The design of the file manager is as simple as possible, you can master all its functionality in just a few minutes. Inside the application, control is carried out mainly by swipes, which is very convenient.

MK Explorer is a very versatile client, it can act as an archiver, give superuser rights to access hidden sections of the smartphone and edit text using the built-in lightweight text editor. For easy access to frequently used files, you can use bookmarks.

Conclusion: MK Explorer is very versatile and simple, it will not be difficult even for novice users to master the basic principles of the application.

#8 - Astro File Manager

This file manager is interesting primarily because of the possibility of synchronization with data from external devices. To connect to the shared resources of the local network, just download the ASTRO SMB Module add-on, and the ASTRO Bluetooth Module allows you to conveniently manage the transfer and reception of files via Bluetooth.

Astro File Manager can also quickly synchronize with cloud storages; the user will be prompted to perform the synchronization procedure immediately after the first launch of the application. The only drawback of this file manager is the abundance of ads, which can only be removed by purchasing the paid version of the application.

Conclusion: a great solution if you need constant access to files on your local network or cloud storage. We recommend that you immediately purchase a paid subscription to get rid of annoying ads.

#7 - Cheetah File Manager

Until recently, Cheetah Mobile's File Manager had rather limited functionality, which was not much different from the standard pre-installed file manager. Now Cheetah has added the ability to sync with cloud storage. Also, the application can unpack archived files and add frequently used programs to the quick launch bar.

This client differs from other file managers primarily in a convenient system for sorting data on a memory card. It allows you to customize sorting not only by date or name, but also by individual preferences. Another plus is that File Manager is completely free of ads.

Conclusion: a fast and convenient file manager for all occasions. Distributed absolutely free, and the interface is completely free of advertising.

#6 - MiXplorer

MiXplorer is a must have for any user who wants to be able to edit the hidden settings of smartphone system files. Not enough permissions to access these same files? It doesn't matter, the list of user permissions can be changed right in the MiXplorer window.

In addition, MiXplorer has several preset content display styles. Each of them can be customized individually in the application settings. Also, MiXplorer does not require a USB connection to transfer files to a computer. All you have to do is connect to a local Wi-Fi network, no wires.

Conclusion: a great choice if you need installationroot-rights or fine-tuning system files.

#5 - X-Plore

The key feature of X-Plore, which distinguishes this application from other similar file managers, is the ability to work in two-window mode. Now you do not need to collapse individual folders or go to the task menu, just drag the file from one corner of the screen to another. There is a clear system of file thumbnails, each extension is indicated by an icon of a separate type.

X-Plore also knows how to open .apk files in archiver mode, which allows you to edit individual libraries of such an application. The file manager has an intuitive interface and simple swipe controls. Supports cloud storage.

Conclusion: X-Plore has the ability to provide multitasking, which is so lacking in modern file managers.

#4 - Root Explorer

As you can already understand from the name, Root Explorer by default grants root rights to the user to access the hidden folders of the device. The application has a built-in SQLite database viewer. The properties of each file in the internal storage have a very detailed description. Here you can see the creation date, version, size and MD5 amount.

Root Explorer is great "friends" with outdated smartphones, the amount of RAM which does not allow you to run many applications at the same time. The file manager consumes device resources very sparingly even when archiving a large file or synchronizing with cloud storages.

Conclusion: a simple and economical client with minimal RAM consumptionphone. An ideal choice if you are very limited in smartphone resources.

#3 - Total Commander

Total Commander is a real classic, familiar to almost every old PC user. The program was one of the first convenient file managers, so it is not surprising that the developers decided to introduce similar functionality to mobile devices. As in the good old days, Total Commander for Android is more for advanced users than for beginners. This is hinted at by the abundance of icons in the interface and perhaps the largest number of options in the settings.

There is no advertising in the mobile version of Total Commander, the client is distributed absolutely free of charge through the Play Store. The file manager is equipped with a built-in text editor, root rights, dual-window mode and a host of other useful options. The program interface is fully translated into Russian.

Conclusion: the best choice for those who want to have full control over all aspects of the file system of their smartphone. The only small minus is that novice users will have to understand a little about all the features of the application.

#2 - ES File Explorer

ES File Explorer ranks first in terms of popularity in the Play Store. The file manager deserved such great recognition because it is one of the first of its kind on the Android platform. Naturally, since the creation of ES File Explorer, it has changed many times both externally and functionally.

So, the latest version of the client supports: working with cloud file storages (Google Drive, Dropbox), archiving applications, quickly editing texts using the internal editor, and changing themes. The program is distributed absolutely free, there is no advertising inside.

Conclusion: one of the oldest and best file managers. It features high speed and nice interface design.

#1 - Solid Explorer

Today's top is headed by Solid Explorer - a paid file manager for Android. Do not rush to put this application aside just because of this, for only 69 rubles Solid Explorer has much more to offer than other representatives of this rating.

The first thing worth buying Solid Explorer is its interface. The file manager has, perhaps, the most beautiful and intuitive interface among all such applications. Solid Explorer is also the fastest in our synthetic tests.

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I present the TOP 10 best file managers for the Windows operating system. When compiling the list, only file managers with a graphical interface, which are convenient for most users to work with, were taken into account. Therefore, there are no file managers with a text interface, such as FAR Manager or Midnight Commander.

Outside the list of the best file managers are programs that have not been updated for a long time, such as EF Commander, ViewFD, or lesser-known applications: FileVoyager, Tablacus Explorer, muCommander, One Commander, etc.

The file manager program ("file commander") is designed to work with files, disks and folders on a computer. Basically, such programs perform routine operations of copying, transferring or deleting files, opening folders and files, launching applications.

The default file manager in the Windows operating system is Explorer. Many users are not satisfied with the functionality of a standard file manager, so they use other alternative file managers to work on a computer.

Most of the presented programs work only on the Windows platform, but there are also multiplatform applications among them.

One of the best, most popular alternative dual pane file manager for Windows (Android still supported). Total Commander was formerly known as Windows Commander.

In Total Commander, you can perform various operations with files, the application has a customizable menu and appearance, a built-in FTP client with secure connection support, working with archives with its own tools, batch operation, advanced search with the ability to use regular expressions and many other functions.

The possibilities of the Total Commander program are greatly expanded with the help of scripts and numerous plug-ins.

Total Commander works in Russian, the program was created by a developer from Switzerland - Christian Giesler. The program is paid, but can work for free.

A two-pane file manager with a huge range of options for working with files. The SpeedCommander window can be split into two parts horizontally or vertically.

SpeedCommander has built-in full Unicode support, multi-tab support, virtual folders, batch operations, and macros. The file manager has a built-in viewer for more than 80 file types, a client for connecting via FTP, FTP-SSL, SFTP, a built-in text editor with syntax support, plugins are supported that expand the program's capabilities.

The program works with 13 types of archives (unpacking, packing), the application has a built-in powerful encryption system and file password protection. SpeedCommander can synchronize data in folders, compare data in folders and files, the file manager has tools for grouping and filtering, etc.

SpeedCommander is a paid program developed in Germany (SpeedProject). To support the Russian language, you need to install the crack.

Powerful file manager with many useful features. The capabilities of the application are extended with the help of plugins. oMega Commander has a friendly, fully customizable interface.

The main features of oMega Commander: ribbon interface, transfer, rename, format tapes, open files in different programs, color grouping of tabs, pinning and saving tabs, file flags, highlighting files by type, multi-window interface, list of favorite windows, smart copy, work with archives, as with regular folders, secure deletion of data without the possibility of recovery, cutting and merging files, multifunctional search, built-in editor, free space control and much more.

oMega Commander is a paid program with Russian language support (developer - Pylonos.com LLC).

A free two-pane file manager with extensive functionality. The program in operation and in appearance is similar to Total Commander. Plugins created for Total Commander (except file system plugins) are supported in Unreal Commander.

Unreal Commander can synchronize folders, batch renaming of files is supported, main types of archives are supported, a built-in FTP client, an advanced search panel, a media player, a preview of files in the form of thumbnails, a quick view with built-in tools, checking file checksums, utilities for downloading and backup and more.

The developer of Unreal Commander is Max Diesel. The program supports the Russian language. To enable the full-featured mode, you need to get a free license key.

FreeCommander

FreeCommander is a free powerful two-pane (horizontal or vertical panel) file manager. The program supports many tabs, but can also work in single-pane mode.

FreeCommander can work with archives, check file checksums, perform directory comparison and synchronization, quick search, the application has a built-in DOS command console, supports bulk file renaming, permanent deletion of files, screenshots and much more.

The FreeCommander program was created by a developer from Poland - Marek Jasinski, the application works in Russian.

Free file manager with two-window interface. The program works on different platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD).

Double Commander has built-in tools for bulk file renaming and synchronization, all operations are performed in the background, tab support is implemented, a built-in file viewer, thumbnail view, work with archives, advanced file search, including regular expressions, a function to suspend file operations , there is support for some plugins for Total Commander, etc.

Double Commander was created by a team of developers from Russia who are striving to create a file manager similar in functionality to Total Commander.

Powerful multi-window two-pane file manager. In addition to performing standard operations, the program has additional functionality.

The free Multi Commander program supports plug-ins, works with archives, built-in utilities for working with images, tools for working with audio files, it is possible to customize the appearance of the program to suit your needs, operations are performed in the background, a built-in registry editor, an FTP client, implemented scripting support, etc.

The Multi Commander program works in Russian (developer - Mathias Svensson).

XYplorer

XYplorer is a functional file manager designed as a replacement for File Explorer. The program has two versions: the full version of XYplorer Pro (paid) and the version with limited functionality XYplorer Free (free).

XYplorer supports work in an unlimited number of multi-tabs, the application has a customizable interface in single-pane or dual-pane mode, many additional tools and functions are built into the program, there is a rollback of changes, viewing multimedia files, comparing and renaming files, support for scripts and batch operations, calculation and display folder size, advanced search, synchronization between directories, viewing properties and editing file tags, it is possible to assign tags and color labels to files, etc.

Developer XYplorer - Donald Lessau, the program supports the Russian language.

A file manager created for Commodore AMIGA computers that had their own operating systems installed. In the future, the program began to be used as an alternative to Windows Explorer.

The Directory Opus program has customizable toolbars, a two-pane interface with a folder tree, the ability to replace Explorer, it is possible to change interface colors, there is an advanced search function, search for duplicate files, virtual folder technology works, you can configure file and folder synchronization in the application, FTP works , viewing of graphic files is implemented, plug-ins are supported, slide shows can be launched, etc.

Directory Opus is a paid program, developed in Australia (GPSoftware), supports Russian.

Q-dir

Q-Dir is a free file manager with an unusual four-pane interface. The user can change the interface of the program, leaving only one, two or three windows in a horizontal or vertical arrangement.

Q-Dir integrates with Explorer in the context menu, the program has a built-in magnifier, you can quickly navigate to favorite folders, color highlighting of different file types works, the program is tiny (less than 2 MB), etc.

The Q-Dir program works in Russian (developer from Germany - Nenad Hrg).

Article Conclusions

Top 10 file managers: Total Commander, SpeedCommander, oMega Commander, Unreal Commander, FreeCommander, Double Commander, Multi Commander, XYplorer, Directory Opus, Q-Dir can successfully replace Explorer - the standard Windows file manager.

Each PC user had to work with files: create, move, copy, view, play. This is not always convenient when working in Explorer. What to do? Use a file manager. This is a special software that helps to make the work more convenient. Consider the best file manager for Windows 10.

What do you need

The main task is to increase work productivity.

The reader will think carefully which file manager is built into Windows. This is the Explorer. Many lack the features provided by Explorer. What to do? Specialized software will help. Let's figure out which one to choose the best file manager for Windows.

How it works

File Manager - a program that works with files. Using special algorithms, it creates a list of files and sorts them. Therefore, the search for information is faster. How to choose the right file manager for Windows? Look at its capabilities, ease of use, the possibility of expanding functionality. Is it supported to install additional plug-ins that facilitate the work.

Total Commander

The official site is located at: https://wincmd.ru/. The application interface consists of two panels.

There are also versions for Android.

Peculiarities:

FTP client working over a secure connection;
Working with archives using the built-in archiver;
Search (use regular expressions);
Install plugins to improve functionality.

Conclusion

We reviewed the TOP8 applications that can replace File Explorer. I am working with Total Commander. Its feature is the ability to extend functionality using plugins. If you often move and edit files, pay attention to Q-Dir. Its feature is a four-panel interface. Changes to 3,2 or 1 panel. If you care about security, install SpeedCommander.

Do you use programs from the Windows Store? Most likely not, because their functionality usually leaves much to be desired. This statement is especially true for file managers, which, in terms of their capabilities, do not even reach Windows Explorer. That is why today you can find a lot of desktop file managers. Let's take a look at ten of the most popular ones.

The #1 file manager is, of course, Total Commander. The application is shareware and has the following features:

Dual panel interface;
Support for many plugins;
Built-in archiver;
Performing almost all file operations;
Folder synchronization;
Setting your own file associations;
Integration of portable programs, etc.

2. QDir

A small free program, Q-Dir is somewhat inferior in its capabilities to Total Commander, but its 4-pane interface with a free layout of panels will appeal to even the most staunch adherents of the standard Windows Explorer.

3.Double Commander

Free multi-platform open-source file manager has a Unix-style interface. It has wide functionality and is compatible with some plugins for Total Commander.

4.Multi Commander

In terms of its capabilities, the Unreal Commander manager is almost a copy of Total Commander, but with a different interface. There are also additional utilities: the ability to backup data and a download manager.

7. EF Commander

Another long-liver among file managers is EF Commander, the Windows version of which in 2016 marked 20 years since its inception. The application has all the necessary functions for file operations and is quite worthy of the attention of users.