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R Windows11 On Reddit File Explorer Alternatives Or A Better Way To

Bonisiwe Shabane
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r windows11 on reddit file explorer alternatives or a better way to

In Windows 11, Microsoft has improved the File Explorer with a simplified toolbar, redesigned icons, and color-coded folders—but you can do better. You can get tags, tabs (which Microsoft has said is coming to File Explorer in a later update), and other conveniences by using a third-party File Explorer replacement. An important thing to note is that, even though we call them “File Explorer replacements,” the standard File Explorer remains available after you install one. The new software can be set as the default, though that requires registry changes. Though replacing the File Explorer may enhance your productivity or just offer a more pleasing experience, a downside is that you’re not getting the standard system that other Windows 11 users have. I personally use the stock File Explorer for that reason and am a fan of its Quick Access feature.

Most of the replacements, however, work as wrappers around the File Explorer to add features and change the experience. You don't risk much in trying them, as some File Explorer replacements are free and the rest are low-cost. All of these alternatives to the File Explorer add tabs; some also add easier tagging, folder creation, dual panes, and encryption. Some give you a column view like that in macOS’s Finder. If those enhancements appeal to you, read on to learn what each of the best File Explorer replacements have to offer. Files (which appears as “Files App” in the app store) is an excellent, popular, free, and open-source replacement for the Windows 11 Files Explorer.

You can get it in three ways: download it directly from the Microsoft Store app where it won a Best app award, download it from the organization’s website, or get its source code from... The default Windows File Explorer is a perfectly acceptable tool that does its job well enough. But if you've ever felt like it was lacking in features or versatility, you might want to take a look at some alternative file management apps. File Explorer is more than enough for most users. Unless you're a power user who's trying to maximize efficiency, there's no reason to replace the default explorer. If you've never felt like File Explorer wasn't enough, stick with it.

If it's missing features you need, then these options might work for you. I've personally tested each of these programs extensively and run them through VirusTotal. You can have two panes open at the same time OneCommander is a free Windows file manager that's been a crowd favorite for many years. It has a customizable dual-pane setup that offers both multi-column and double-window views. The default Windows File Explorer does the job just fine, but what if you want something a little extra?

For instance, you want the File Explorer to do a specific function, but when you look for it, you discover that Microsoft hasn't added it yet (if it ever will). Fortunately, there are plenty of third-party apps that shunt File Explorer out of the way and supply a different experience that adds user-requested features to the app. There are a handful of File Explorer alternatives you can choose from, and one of the best is simply called "Files." It already has a nice number of features under its belt, but a... The Files app is what I want the Windows 11 File Explorer to look like, but it's not quite perfect. It's also limited by Windows in some ways. You can check out the patch notes for the new update over on the Files website.

There's a handful of cool features that arrived with this patch, so let's take a peeka t some of the more important ones. First, there's a new option that lets you adjust how file sizes are represented. The patch notes don't break down all the options they added, but the above screenshot reveals that you can set it to display sizes in binary, which is pretty interesting. I'd love to see if anyone would make use of the binary option, and their reasons for it. The File Explorer in Windows 11 has been having a rough time. The initial redesign from Windows 10 displaced familiar features and the right-click menu was truncated, as were the options in the ribbons menu.

A couple of updates later, things have improved somewhat, and Windows 11 finally added tab support in File Explorer. But if you’re annoyed by the lack of consistency in File Explorer, there’s a free, open-source, community-supported alternative that's a lot more customizable. It's simply called the Files app. You can buy the Files app from the official Microsoft Store for $8, but it's also available completely free of cost from the developer's website, though it's a bit hidden: After opening the link,... But before you do that, I suggest you create a backup of your computer and all your important files just to be safe, given this is an app with permissions to directly edit all... There's no shortage of File Explorer alternatives (XYPlorer being a popular choice), and this was the case even before Windows 11.

But none of them feature as modern or polished a design as the Files app. It takes its cues from Microsoft's Fluent design system, and looks even better on Windows 11 than Microsoft's own File Explorer, which feels like a cheaply re-skinned version of the Windows 10 File Explorer. Mobile Forum » Operating Systems » Windows When we work daily with documents, photos and projects, Windows File Explorer can fall short for intensive tasks. copy, move, rename or compare content. That's why many users end up looking for a more agile manager with tabs, dual panels, and advanced features that speed up their workflow.

The Windows ecosystem has a wide variety of administrators. files, both classic desk such as UWP apps from the Microsoft Store, as well as open-source tools and portable solutions. Below, we've compiled everything you need to know in a single article: notable alternatives, real pros and cons, free and paid options, and a guide to choosing based on your device and skill level. <img decoding="async" src="https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer.png" alt="Explorer++" width="1200" height="707" srcset="https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer.png 1200w, https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer-300x177.png 300w, https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer-1024x603.png 1024w, https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer-768x452.png 768w, https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer-400x236.png 400w, https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer-500x295.png 500w, https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer-420x247.png 420w, https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer-840x495.png 840w, https://movilforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Explorer-150x88.png 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 860px"/> Explorer++ is one of the classic names when we think of a direct replacement with tabbed interfaceIt's free, portable (ideal for carrying on a USB drive), and allows you to drag and drop between... Windows Explorer has always seemed like a part of a small car’s toolkit: perfectly usable, but limited to the basic functions.

Over the years, Microsoft has repeatedly revised the software and added a search function that, upon closer inspection, proves to be surprisingly complex. However, the operating concept of Explorer is still not intuitive and tends to hinder smooth working. Software companies and independent developers therefore seized their opportunity early on and presented alternatives for more powerful file managers, which are often referred to as “commanders.” There are two different types of file managers: Free Commander is available in 32- and 64-bit versions. However, only the 32-bit version is free to use.

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In Windows 11, Microsoft Has Improved The File Explorer With

In Windows 11, Microsoft has improved the File Explorer with a simplified toolbar, redesigned icons, and color-coded folders—but you can do better. You can get tags, tabs (which Microsoft has said is coming to File Explorer in a later update), and other conveniences by using a third-party File Explorer replacement. An important thing to note is that, even though we call them “File Explorer replace...

Most Of The Replacements, However, Work As Wrappers Around The

Most of the replacements, however, work as wrappers around the File Explorer to add features and change the experience. You don't risk much in trying them, as some File Explorer replacements are free and the rest are low-cost. All of these alternatives to the File Explorer add tabs; some also add easier tagging, folder creation, dual panes, and encryption. Some give you a column view like that in ...

You Can Get It In Three Ways: Download It Directly

You can get it in three ways: download it directly from the Microsoft Store app where it won a Best app award, download it from the organization’s website, or get its source code from... The default Windows File Explorer is a perfectly acceptable tool that does its job well enough. But if you've ever felt like it was lacking in features or versatility, you might want to take a look at some alterna...

If It's Missing Features You Need, Then These Options Might

If it's missing features you need, then these options might work for you. I've personally tested each of these programs extensively and run them through VirusTotal. You can have two panes open at the same time OneCommander is a free Windows file manager that's been a crowd favorite for many years. It has a customizable dual-pane setup that offers both multi-column and double-window views. The defa...

For Instance, You Want The File Explorer To Do A

For instance, you want the File Explorer to do a specific function, but when you look for it, you discover that Microsoft hasn't added it yet (if it ever will). Fortunately, there are plenty of third-party apps that shunt File Explorer out of the way and supply a different experience that adds user-requested features to the app. There are a handful of File Explorer alternatives you can choose from...