traditional file manager/windows explorer

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Yesterday (25 Jan 2020) I turned on my first WIN 10 pro 64 bit PC and am now adding favorite programs, transferring documents / photos / etc from my faithful 9 year old WIN 7 home 64 bit PC. The transfer is going well but I miss the “traditional file manager/windows explorer” scheme. I seek your advice on current “dual-panel file manager and Windows Explorer replacement” such as AB Commander, Powerdesk Pro and others.  The lounge did discuss both products and others in 2016 but Win 10 and file managers have evolved since then. Any thoughts on using this type of software, and recommendation, would greatly be appreciated.

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I have been using Open Shell Menu (used to be Classic Shell). It gives you a Win7-like desktop, but also the classic look/menus in Explorer.

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DKThompson

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It’s not free, but Directory Opus is a work of art!  It can be used as a simple single or dual pane explorer replacement, but has so many options and configurations, it will surprise you! You can use it for free for 60 days to decide if you like it.

If it is something free that you require with the option for a pro version that requires payment, xplorer2 lite is a also very good dual pane program.

I have used both for years!

https://www.zabkat.com/x2lite.htm

https://www.gpsoft.com.au/

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DKThompson

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I’ll add my vote for xplorer2 Lite, which I’ve used happily for over ten years at least on all the variations of Windows I’ve had, probably including Vista. I use the sidebar panel to choose the folder I want in the active panel—new storage like usb cards or camera files show up there—and copying or moving files between folders is simple. The preview panel makes finding a particular picture easy and double-clicking a file loads the relevant program, WPS Writer, PDF-Exchange Viewer, VCL, Irfanview, etc. I suppose that’s that same as what Windows Explorer does but I’ve enjoyed the double panel system for so long, I simply do not know how WE works anymore.

Opus is certainly top of the line, and I used it until they dropped the free version . . .

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DKThompson

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Try XYplorer. It is worth paying for.

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Loonier, DKThompson

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$30 seems a bit steep for a file manager!

cheers, Paul

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DKThompson

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When I upgraded from XP to Windows 7 I paid the $80 for the Lifetime Pro License, and still feel it was money well spent.

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Loonier, DKThompson

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Take a look at FreeCommanderXE. I have been using it for over 5 years, it is FREE, and in my opinion much better than PowerDesk and XYplorer.

Free Commander has a LOT of configuration options, so be prepared to spend some time making it look and feel the way you like.

You can find it here:   https://freecommander.com/en/summary/

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Loonier, DriftyDonN, DKThompson

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+1 for XYplorer.  I’ve had a lifetime license for nearly 10 years, and though I try others from time to time, I have yet to find a more capable or flexible file manager.

Another benefit of XYplorer is that it is fully portable and licensed per user, so you can take a fully configured copy on a USB stick to use anywhere without having to install/uninstall it.  That can be a lifesaver if you provide a lot of support for other Windows users.

 

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DKThompson

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Total Commander is the best. Can use it free or reasonable purchase. Check it out at http://www.ghisler.com/

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DriftyDonN, DKThompson

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It is not free for Windows use, only the mobile version (phones and tablets). The Windows version is €37.

cheers, Paul

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DKThompson

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Here’s another vote for the Directory Opus file manager. I’ve tried nearly every file manager and while a number of them are pretty useful tools, Directory Opus seems to offer far more genuinely helpful tools and customizability including adding color to file and directory names and tabs. You can easily set it so that double-clicking the desktop opens Directory Opus. If you are heavily into customization, you can do almost anything with the display and how Directory Opus functions. And you can save you configurations if you want to switch between them while figuring out which you like best. There’s a free trial. While Directory Opus is not inexpensive, it’s worth every cent you pay for it.

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DKThompson

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I’ve tried several file explorers since the days of Windows 3.0, my vote would go to Xplorer 2. Two panes, each of which can have as many tabs as you want, each tab listing a different folder on the same drive, or different drives. Renaming, drag and drop to move or copy folders or files. Totally flexible with every file at your finger tips.

David

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DKThompson

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[pnshldn]

I’ve been a Total Commander user since before Christian Ghistler was forced to give up the name Windows Commander. This is my go-to file manager. I have slightly customized it to show desired directories quickly and use different icons. My configurations have survived several different computers and Windows operating systems, even using the old printer ports for quickly transferring files to the newer computer. I don’t use all of the capabilities but it has always provided what I needed. So I echo Anonymous in recommending TC and add to Paul T’s comment regarding the Shareware cost —

After registration, all future updates can be downloaded for free from this page (until further notice).

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by pnshldn.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by pnshldn.

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DKThompson

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I agree with the two above recommending Total Commander. I’ve also used it since it was called Windows Commander (it is the ‘continuation’ of Norton Commander). It has all the facilities and configurability you need (probably), and some very useful features. There has never been a charge for updates, but it has been updated regularly. If you are into Linux, Double Commander is a good ‘replacement’ of Total Commander. (Total Commander can run in Linux through Wine but Double Commander is the better choice for Linux, in my opinion. The author of Total Commander (Ghisler) recommends Krusader for Linux).

 

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DKThompson

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I really like Free Commander XE because of the customization options. The only thing it can’t do (or I don’t know how to do it) is to work with 3 folders at once. I tried several other file managers about years ago and settled on Free Commander–before the XE got added to the name. It’s not Norton Commander, which I used way back when, but it’s very good.

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DKThompson

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I would add my 2 bits in support of Directory Opus

It is probably a bit too complex for my needs, but it has everything I need and the support is incredible.

 

RobB

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DKThompson

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You can use two File Explorers. Start one and then the other with shift key.

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DKThompson

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