Did you know the average person wastes hours every month dealing with a slow file manager? Windows File Explorer is great, but there are better options. Check out our list of the top 10 best file managers for Windows and find the best Windows file manager for you. Dive in now and save time!
1. Why is File Explorer important?
File Explorer is especially helpful for Windows users for several reasons, making it stand out compared to file managers on other operating systems. Here’s why it’s considered the best file manager for Windows:
- Integration with Windows OS:
File Explorer is built into Windows, working smoothly with other Windows features and applications. This Windows file manager works perfectly with the Windows operating system, ensuring good performance and stability.
- User-friendly interface:
Windows users are quite familiar with File Explorer's layout, making it easy to use. You can change the interface, like view options and toolbars, to fit your needs.
- Advanced features:
This Windows file manager offers a Quick Access section for frequently used files and folders. It also includes a ribbon toolbar for quick access to tasks like copying, pasting, and renaming files. Besides, the Preview Pane lets users preview file contents without opening them.
By providing users with these features, File Explorer is one of the best file managers Windows users should consider to save time.
- Integration with Microsoft services:
Built-in support for OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service, allows easy access to cloud files directly from File Explorer. You can use Windows Search for fast and powerful search within the Windows file manager.
- Support for multiple file types:
This Windows file manager supports many file formats and types, making it versatile for various tasks. It efficiently handles operations like compression and sharing within Windows.
- Security features:
File Explorer lets you set and manage file permissions and security settings, giving control over who can access or modify files. This Windows file manager works with Windows security features like BitLocker and Windows Defender to help protect files.
2. Is there a better alternative to Windows File Explorer?
While Windows File Explorer is popular, its limitations prompt users to seek alternatives. It can be slow with large files and lacks advanced features like robust tagging and batch renaming, which is crucial for efficient file management.
Moreover, its search functionality can be unreliable compared to other Windows file manager tools. Integration with cloud services like OneDrive is useful but limited for users with multiple platforms.
File Explorer also lacks native support for FTP/SFTP, which is essential for web developers. It also lacks advanced encryption features for enhanced security.
Alternative Windows file managers like SaveDay, WinZip, or TagSpaces Pro offer solutions. WinZip excels in compression and encryption, while SaveDay is ideal for FTP/SFTP and cloud integration, providing extensive customization.
These alternatives fill gaps in File Explorer and offer specialized features, making them worthy replacements for the default Windows file manager.
3. What is the best free file manager for Windows?
Choosing the best file manager for Windows is important for keeping your files organized and accessible. Here are some top options, each with unique features, pros, cons, and pricing. These Windows file managers can greatly improve how you handle your files on your device.
SaveDay – Best Windows file manager with AI
SaveDay is an AI-powered knowledge manager. This Windows file manager allows you to bookmark, highlight, and manage various types of content, making it easy to find and read them later.
Key features:
- Save web links, images, videos, photos, podcasts, and audio while keeping everything private.
- Set reminders for saved content to ensure you stay updated and don’t miss important information.
- Highlight any web page or social post and share it with stylish templates.
- Add sticky notes, highlight notes, and timestamp notes on web pages and videos.
- Instantly get important notes from articles and AI YouTube summaries.
- Search by keyword or your natural thought process in any language for contextual information.
- Access all your saved content in this Windows file manager in a convenient sidebar.
Pros:
- Easy to use.
- Saves various content types, keeping them private.
- Reminders help you keep up with saved content.
- Highlighting and annotation tools enhance content management.
- AI summarizer provides quick and accurate YouTube summaries and articles’ keynotes.
Cons:
Free version is available only for limited features.
Pricing:
- Basic: Free.
- Essential: USD$9.09/month.
- Elite: USD$20.99/month.
File Explorer - Best built-in file manager for Windows 10/11
File Explorer is the default Windows file manager that comes with every version of Microsoft Windows. It helps you manage your files and folders easily.
Key features:
- File browsing and search.
- Network file sharing.
- File compression.
- Organize files with attributes.
Pros:
- Quick and powerful search.
- Familiar interface with tabs.
- Efficient multitasking for moving, copying, and deleting files.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features and customization.
Pricing:
Free (included with Windows).
UPDF - Best file manager on Windows for PDF files
UPDF is the best file manager for Windows if you primarily deal with PDF files. It offers UPDF Cloud for storing and accessing your PDFs anywhere.
Key features:
- UPDF Cloud for online PDF management.
- PDF file protection.
- Merging, splitting, and organizing PDFs.
- PDF viewer and editor with UPDF AI integration.
Pros:
- Manages both online and offline files.
- Simple and intuitive interface.
- Available across all devices.
- Affordable with a single license for all platforms.
Cons:
- Works only with PDF documents.
Pricing:
- UPDF Pro: US$52.99/ Perpetual.
- UPDF AI Standard: US$59.00/ Year.
- UPDF AI Unlimited: US$89.00/ Year.
- UPDF Pro + UPDF AI: US$83.99.
Directory Opus - Best paid file manager on Windows 11/10
Directory Opus is a powerful and customizable Windows file manager preferred by power users for its extensive features and adaptable UI.
Key features:
- Preview files without opening them.
- Powerful file search and management.
- Highly customizable interface.
- Built-in FTP client for file transfers.
- Supports automation through scripting.
Pros:
- Versatile and supports multiple file types.
- Regular updates.
- Feature-rich interface.
Cons:
- Can be expensive.
- Steeper learning curve.
Pricing:
- Single: AUD$89.
- Dual: AUD$129.
- Five: AUD$249.
FreeCommander - Best free file manager on Windows
FreeCommander is a versatile and free Windows file manager offering various file operations and customization options.
Key features:
- Dual-pane interface for side-by-side file viewing.
- File preview without opening them.
- Built-in FTP client.
- Supports scripting for automation.
Pros:
- Open-source and free.
- Efficient resource management.
- Customizable interface.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve.
Pricing:
- 32-bit version: Free.
- 64-bit version One download: €9 (approximately 10 USD).
- 64-bit version One year: €16 (approximately 20 USD).
- 64-bit version Two years: €24 (approximately 28 USD).
Explorer++ - Best open-source file manager on Windows
Explorer++ is a free and open-source best file manager for Windows that serves as an excellent alternative to the default File Explorer.
Key features:
- Browser-like interface with tabs.
- Dual-pane viewing for easy file comparison.
- Multi-file renaming.
- Supports merging files and folders.
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts.
Pros:
- Lightweight and efficient.
- Native experience with extra features.
- Open-source, allowing free modification.
Cons:
- Not very user-friendly interface.
Pricing:
Free.
WinZip – Complete file management solution
WinZip is a famous Windows file manager for its archiving abilities and great compression rate.
Key features:
- Manage and archive files easily.
- Open, edit, move, or share files from various sources.
- Powerful encryption and backup tools.
Pros:
- Supports all popular archive formats and encryptions.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Integration with email clients and cloud storage.
- Backup scheduling and email notifications.
Cons:
- Some features overlap with default Windows applications.
- Issues with compression and decompression speeds.
Pricing:
- WinZip Standard Suite: $34.95 (one-time fee).
- WinZip Pro Suite: $54.95 (one-time fee).
- WinZip Ultimate Suite: $54.95 (one-time fee).
- WinZip Enterprise: Upon request.
FileZilla – Best file manager software with FTP
FileZilla is a trusted Windows file manager, particularly known for its excellent FTP features. It helps Windows users transfer data between their local machines and remote servers with ease.
Key features:
- FTP, FTPS, and SFTP support.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
- Site Manager for multiple connections.
Pros:
- Supports various protocols for secure data transfer.
- Works on multiple platforms.
- Can resume interrupted transfers.
- Easy management of multiple connections.
Cons:
- Interface might be overwhelming for beginners.
Pricing:
- Free version available.
- FileZilla Pro: 24.99 EUR/USD.
- FileZilla Pro CLI: 24.99 EUR/USD.
- FileZilla Pro + FileZilla Pro CLI: 29.99 EUR/USD.
- FileZilla Pro Enterprise Server: 299.99 EUR/USD.
TagSpaces Pro – Efficient tag-based file organization
TagSpaces Pro is a versatile Windows file manager that uses tags to organize files. It simplifies finding and categorizing documents, photos, and multimedia files.
Key features:
- Tag-based file organization.
- Built-in text editor and PDF viewer.
- Offline synchronization.
Pros:
- Improves efficiency with tag-based organization.
- Windows file manager available on multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).
- Seamless and intuitive user interface.
Cons:
- Paid Windows file manager with a free trial.
Pricing:
- TagSpaces Lite: free.
- TagSpaces Lite Web: free.
- TagSpaces Pro: $39.00/ year.
- TagSpaces Pro Web: $49.00/ year.
One Commander – Cloud-integrated simplicity
One Commander is a sleek Windows file manager focused on usability and simplicity. It integrates well with cloud storage services.
Key features:
- Integration with cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
- Preview pane for inspecting file contents.
Pros:
- User-friendly and aesthetically pleasing interface.
- Quick access to frequently used folders.
- Direct access to cloud-based files.
Cons:
- Limited features compared to other Windows file managers.
Pricing:
- Free for home use.
- Professional/Commercial use requires a Pro license (Lifetime): $ 25.
MultiCommander – Scriptable advanced features
MultiCommander is ideal for power users needing extensive customization and Windows file manager tools. Its scripting support allows the automation of tasks and the creation of custom commands.
Key features:
- Tabbed interface for multitasking.
- Scripting support for automation.
- Highly customizable themes and extensions.
Pros:
- Great for advanced file management.
- Flexible and modular structure.
- Supports automation and custom commands.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for new users.
Pricing:
Free.
