Microsoft's Windows Explorer has been a construction site that never wants to be finished for years, which even makes Berlin Airport look like a real lightning project. Of course, all basic functions can be done with the in-house file manager, but speed and clarity still leave a lot to be desired. We have put together the best Explorer alternatives for you.
Microsoft has been working on Windows Explorer for years. Nothing can be said against it, but the file manager is far from being a showcase tool. Of course you get the basic functions like copying or moving folders and files, but especially power users miss a few features.
Instead of opening several Explorer windows, a multi-window look would be a good thing, there are no tabs for organizing subfolders and extended preview functions would speed up work. The good news: There are successful alternatives to Windows Explorer that are free of charge and can even be used portablely if desired, so that they do not require installation.
We have collected three of the most popular alternatives for you, and we will present their strengths in detail below. Here you should find the software that eliminates and improves Windows Explorer's greatest weaknesses for you personally.
Shop recommendation for Microsoft Windows 11 Home
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1. FreeCommander XE
Free: Can do a lot, works fast and is available free of charge.
Image: CHIP
FreeCommander XE is the most popular free Explorer replacement for CHIP readers, which primarily fulfills two user requests: The tool has a two-window optic (divided horizontally or vertically) for easy copying and moving of files and also has tabs for a better overview built-in. It is operated either via shortcuts such as [F6] for quickly moving objects or traditionally via the menu bar, which is not only located at the top of the window, but also in the middle between the open folders.
Other strengths: FreeCommander already has a built-in file viewer, so you can quickly take a look at files without having to open the associated application. In addition, FreeCommander can be expanded via plug-ins, for example to open RAR archives directly. If you want to keep different folders up to date, you can do this using the built-in sync tool. FreeCommander XE also deletes files and folders without leaving any residue.
2. Q-Dir
Four-window optics: Q-Dir integrates four windows into one view.
Image: CHIP
Above all, copying and moving with the mouse is tedious in Windows Explorer or requires several open windows. Q-Dir is a great alternative that even opens a four-pane view. Additional tabs can be created in each of the windows, which creates an overview, even if you have to juggle many folders.
Practical: The freeware has some cool shortcuts built in, such as a program launcher to get to the registry quickly or to start the task manager. Q-Dir does not offer as many functions as the other Explorer alternatives, but that can also be an advantage, because you can find your way around faster. The tool does not necessarily have to be installed, there is also a portable version of the file manager.
3. Double commanders
Image: CHIP
Comfort functions often make life easier, for example if you want to quickly calculate the checksum of a download, synchronize folders or rename several files in one go. If you need even more functions, Double Commander can be expanded with plug-ins. It supports Total Commander payment tool plug-ins.
Shop recommendation for Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Offer from BestCheck.de | Prices incl. VAT plus shipping
