The best file managers for Windows 10 & 11 are apps that’ll let you manage files and folders on Windows. If you’ve been looking for easier ways to manage files on your PC, here’s an article you’ll love. You will discover alternatives to the File Explorer on Windows, which offers more file management capabilities. There are a lot of features in each of the file managers below and most of them are free and open-source programs.
Having a reliable file manager is quite crucial when it comes to file management. Whether it is on mobile or computer, you should have a file manager that can live up to one’s expectations. Well, the Windows OS comes with a built-in file explorer and it makes sense. While the Windows File Explorer might be good, there are features which it lacks. We’ve seen that with file manager apps on Android, iPhone, iPad and macOS.
If you’re looking for the best file managers for Windows 10 and Windows 11. In this article on Naijaknowhow, we’ve handpicked the best ones for you and they’re perfect. Similar to Windows, you can also check some of the best file manager apps for macOS PCs. They’re professional file managers available on the Apple Store and other Apple Store alternatives for applications and games.
List of The Best File Managers for Windows 10 / 11
Before diving into the list of awesome file managers you can use on your Windows, let’s take a quick detour. If your preferred smartphone is either Android or iPhone, there are file manager apps for Android and also file managers for iOS. Maybe your Android device is rooted, there are file managers for rooted Android as well. For jailbroken iOS users, you can check Cydia, TweakBox, AppValley or TutuApp for file managers as well.
1. FreeCommander
When looking for a file manager to use on your Windows PC, FreeCommander is one of the best options for you. This is a free and open-source file manager that gives a different experience on Windows. FreeCommander comes with a dual-pane interface which makes it easy to manage files perfectly. Furthermore, it comes with a different set of features that are better than the built-in file explorer on Windows. There are a lot of features you’ll enjoy on this free file manager.
With FreeCommander, you can enjoy a tabbed interface, customizable toolbars, and advanced features like file synchronization and folder comparison. The software also supports various archive formats, which can be handy when dealing with compressed files. Its integrated file search tool makes it easy to find files quickly, and users can configure it to suit their preferences. While using FreeCommander, you won’t need any file extractor software like WinZip or WinRAR.
2. Total Commander
Total Commander is another excellent option for anyone looking for a robust file manager for their Windows PC. This is one of the most powerful and highly customizable file managers on the internet. One of the unique features of Total Commander is the dual-pane interface, which allows working on two folders at the same time. Whether you’re using a 32-bit or 64-bit Windows, you can download Total Commander without any issues.
Another importance of the dual-pane is the simplicity it offers when copying or moving movies. You won’t need to minimize any time you want to move or copy anything on your PC. Also, Total Commander supports various archive formats and comes with a built-in FTP client for easy file transfers. It’s known for its robust file search and batch renaming capabilities, making it a favourite among users. There’s no need to download an FTP client for Windows because Total Commander handles that.
3. Directory Opus
Whether you want a single or dual-pane interface, Directory Optus might just be your go-to option for that. This is one of the best file managers for Windows and it is a feature-rich file manager with a nice interface. With Directory Opus, you can create your own file management workflows and access advanced features like synchronized file and folder views. When it comes to support for Zip, 7-Zip, RAR and many other archive formats, Directory Opus works well.
In addition to its powerful editing capabilities, you can use it to edit file metadata, it works for EXIF, MP3, PDF and other documents. Using Directory Opus, you won’t need any PDF editor like SumatraPDF, NitroPDF, PDFelement and other options on the internet. Users can enjoy synchronized file and folder views, a viewer pane for images and documents, and the capability to add custom toolbars and buttons. It also offers various view modes, including List, Details, and Thumbnails, catering to different user preferences.
4. XYplorer
Another awesome file manager on the list is XYplorer and it is perfect for customization. While it might not be a customization software, it works perfectly for file management. One of the cool features of this file manager is the ability to find duplicate files. Which takes away the need for any duplicate file finder software on your PC. In addition to finding duplicate files, it also works as a duplicate photo remover tool with a 90% success rate.
XYplorer offers tabbed browsing, a user-friendly interface, and advanced file search capabilities. Users can customize the toolbar to add functions and shortcuts that suit their needs. The software also provides features like tab sets, scripting support; and the ability to preview a wide range of file types without needing to open additional applications. This is a file manager you’ll enjoy how it works thanks to the speed it offers.
5. OneCommander
OneCommander takes after Commander One, which is a very popular file manager for macOS users. If you’re looking for a similar experience on your Windows PC, then OneCommander is the go-to option you need to consider. OneCommander has a wide range of archive formats and offers cloud service integration with different cloud storage apps. With the likes of Dropbox, Google Drive, Mediafire, etc. You can easily sync files from your mobile device to your PC.
Regardless of your Windows version, this is a modern file manager that works well. Some of the features of OneCommander include tabs, dual-pane, column navigation, preview and theming system. Aside from the mentioned ones, there are also colour tags, file size indicators and so on. OneCommander is completely free, you don’t have to worry about ads or subscriptions. Lastly, it can handle any file type, it also works as one of the best file compression software for PC.
6. Q-Dir
Q-Dir makes the difference when it comes to using file managers on Windows. If you’re among those looking for a lightweight file manager to use, then you should consider Q-Dir. Unlike other file managers that come with a double-pane interface, this one has a four-pane interface. It’s designed to allow you to view and manage multiple folders simultaneously. This is particularly handy for tasks that require moving files between different locations or organizing data across multiple directories.
Another cool aspect of q-Dir is that you don’t have to install it on your PC, it works as a portable application. The software offers different view modes, including List, Details, and Thumbnails, and it supports advanced file search. When it comes to editing files, Q-Dir offers one of the fastest modes to edit files without hassles. Also, you can download it on older versions of Windows like Win 8, 8.1 and Windows 7.
7. Altap Salamander
Nothing pays better than having a fast file manager and Atlap Salamander is another one that can be recommended. Atlap Salamander is a classic file manager that is known for its speed and reliability. Well, it comes with a dual-pane interface, which brings familiarity among other file managers. While using it, you can customize the interface to match your desired needs. One of the things it’s also known for is being able to copy files and manipulate tasks.
Furthermore, the file manager comes with a built-in FTP client, it can also read files directly easily. Also, users can have control over recent history lists and it also works with most password manager apps. Atlap Salamander is known for its speed and stability, making file management tasks quick and hassle-free. The software provides advanced features like scripting and batch processing to automate repetitive tasks.
8. Explorer++
Explorer++ is an open-source file manager, which makes it one of the best free file managers for Windows. This software was designed to make a difference to Windows File Explorer. It comes with a tabbed interface that makes navigation quite easier. Besides, it handles all archive types and it handles basic compression. You can compress PDF files, compress videos and a lot more.
In addition to having a tabbed interface, Explorer++ will let you open multiple folders within a single Windows. There’s also a very powerful search engine that’ll let you look for any file or folder within seconds. If you want to customize the interface, you can get that done as well. Explorer++ is a lightweight file manager, it can be used as a portable software and it can be downloaded for free.
Conclusion
There are a lot of file managers available for Windows OS, but these ones are perfect for Win 10 and 11. Whether you’re looking for a dual-pane, four-tabbed interface or a powerful FTP client, you’ll discover them from the list above.
