It’s already 2019, and Windows has changed a lot since the first versions. However, File Explorer hasn’t gone through that many changes and has remained not a very convenient tool. Moving files or folders to a different location can be a headache, as we usually need to open the original location and the destination folder, and drag all selected data from one location to the other. When transferring big files, there’s no way to pause the process. Plus, no batch actions are available.
Here we have collected some alternatives to the standard File Explorer app to help you manage all file operations quicker and much more comfortably.
The best file manager: Total Commander
You may know Total Commander as File Commander (the old name). The first version of this program was released 23 years ago and hasn’t changed that much since then. But don’t rush to skip it! Total Commander provides any features you may want from a file manager:
- transfer big files in the background
- pause and resume any transfers
- manage speed limits for each transfer
- enjoy a built-in file archiving and extracting tool
- expand functionality with the numerous plugins (features that let you sort images by size, edit music metadata, search for texts in PDF files, etc.)
Total Commander is available on all Windows versions including Windows 10 and is distributed as a shareware with a 30-day trial. The full license will cost you about $45 and it’s totally worth this money. With its simple classic-look interface, Total Commander is a great choice both for non-skilled and advanced PC users.
The best file manager: Directory Opus
Directory Opus is a premium file manager which simply can’t stay unnoticed by the power users because of its endless customization options and attractive interface. Its every feature can be customized manually to fit each and every user’s demands. You will definitely like its speed, as well as multi-threading that makes the processing go a lot faster. Directory Opus also lets you manage all the tasks by queueing, which really helps you save some time.
Directory Opus is not free to use and has 2 paid versions: Light (about $40) and Pro(about $70). Both of them do the job well, but the Pro one can totally replace File Explorer in every aspect of working with specific folders. You can also use the Pro version like an FTP client and file compression tool, and enjoy the more customizable user interface than in the Light version. If you are not sure which one is right for you, you can test both of them for a 30-day trial period.
The best file manager: Xplorer²
Xplorer is a worthy tool, but the horizontal panels used in it aren’t for everyone. Just like Directory Opus, Xplorer has 2 paid versions, a Professional Edition (that costs $29.95) for 1 PC and an Ultimate Edition (for $49.95). Both have a 21-day trial so you can easily test both before making a decision if it’s worth purchasing and which one will fit you best. Most home users are okay with the Professional version while the Ultimate one will fit corporate users’ needs.
The first thing you may like about Xplorer is its modern looking interface which can be easily customized to a more classic one. It has a number of quite unusual features that you are unlikely even to think about. For example, the Sticky Selection feature that lets you select multiple files without the risk of deselecting any of them with an accidental click. The feature that lets you easily identify duplicate files and the color indicators are also surprisingly helpful.
The best file manager: Q-dir
Q-dir takes its name from the 4-pane interface which makes it really comfortable to use. It’s also the only file manager on our list that is completely free to use! It supports tabbed browsing and bookmarking frequently used files and folders. There are some keyboard shortcuts for the most important functions, but no option to customize them or add your own shortcuts, which may be an inconvenience for many users.
Q-dir is a tiny app, but can be completely sufficient to replace the Windows’ built-in file manager. If you don’t actually transfer big files often, you can stay with this free option. In case you need a more advanced program for a smooth Windows experience, you may want to consider one of the above.
If you need to transfer big files online, FileWhopper will easily help you do this with no effort or headaches. For more information about file management software, read our article on 5 Best File Management Software Tools
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