File Manager for Windows 7. Guide to File Managers for Windows

What was the name of your first file manager? If in the past decade one could safely expect the answer "Norton Commander", today acquaintance with the file structure most often begins with Windows Explorer. 2xExplorer largely repeats the concept of a standard Windows tool, while having a lot of additional useful features.

Immediately it is worth noting the small size of the distribution and the free status of the program. Both of these factors make 2xExplorer as accessible as possible.

The file manager, having support for many hot keys, allows you to control only from the keyboard. You can assign your own keyboard shortcuts to frequently used folders. The developers paid close attention to viewing and modifying files, including a good editor in the distribution. 2xExplorer allows you to create thumbnails for BMP and HTML files for easier viewing.

The main part of the functions is placed on the toolbar, located at the bottom of the working window of the application.

The use of the program overshadows only one fact. The development of 2xExplorer was stopped several years ago, there are no prospects for improving the product.

A file manager is a program for organizing and conveniently working with operating system files, which differs from the standard Explorer.

They can be of different types and types, many users generally do without such software, but working on a PC with it becomes faster and easier.

In this article, we will consider file managers for .

Choice

Such managers can differ quite a lot not only in functionality, but also in the convenience of the menu and navigation, management, and interface.

But their main difference is in the very type of interface: it can be graphic, like a usual program, or text, more like a command line.

The second option is not convenient and not familiar to most users, therefore, such utilities will not be included in the TOP.

The program accesses the computer's file system and builds lists of files by type, so that the user can select the desired content much faster. However, in order for the installation of such software to be justified, it is necessary to choose the most suitable one for yourself, taking into account many technical characteristics.

Specifications

To simplify the software selection process, the main characteristics of all the options listed in the TOP are presented in the table. Compare them to make a decision.

Name	License	Cross-platform	Working with archives by own means	Embedded Internet Client
Total Commander	Paid (there is a demo version)	Yes (Android)	Yes	Yes
Speed ​​Commander	Paid (there is a demo version)	Not	Yes	Yes
oMega Commander	Paid (there is a demo version)	Not	Not	Not
Unreal Commander	Is free	Not	Yes	Yes
Free Commander	Is free	Not	Yes	Not
Double Commander	Is free	Yes	Not	Not
Multi Commander	Is free	Not	Yes	Yes
XYplorer	Free basic version, paid advanced	Not	No (the paid version has it)	No (the paid version has it)
Directory Opus	Is free	Relative	Yes	Yes
Q-dir	Is free	Not	Not	Not

You can learn more about all the program options presented in the table below.

Total Commander

This is the most popular and convenient file manager, which was previously called .

Quite convenient, multifunctional and has a familiar interface.

It has a two-panel type, allows you to perform many types of file operations.

You can work with, configure file packages, use advanced search by various parameters.

There is a built-in Internet client with secure connection support.

• Cross-platform - there is a convenient version for Android;
• The widest functionality with a large number of additional features;
• The presence and constant replenishment and expansion of scripts and plug-ins, increasing the functionality of the software.

• Not too good Russification;
• Paid distribution, but there is a demo version;
• Not always user-friendly interface.

User reviews about the software are as follows: "Worth the money", "Excellent functionality, a lot of opportunities."

Speed ​​Commander

According to the interface, this manager is similar to the previous one - it also has a two-pane principle of operation.

You can work in both vertical and horizontal windows, which is quite convenient.

The software is multifunctional, supports . It can perform batch operations, macros, forms packages itself. Can create virtual folders.

• Supports more than 80 file types - almost everything that is on the computer;
• There is an Internet client and a text editor, and with spelling support;
• There are many plugins available;
• 13 types of archives are supported;
• Comparison, synchronization, etc. functions

• Paid distribution (there is a free demo version);
• Inconvenient interface;

Reviews about the software are as follows: "A good functional program", "Not a very user-friendly interface, but you can get used to it."

oMega Commander

ОMega Commander- a fairly powerful and functional manager, only slightly inferior to the two previous options.

Additional functionality is guaranteed by constantly appearing and updating extensions and plugins.

Unlike previous types, this program has a simple interface that can also be customized.

You can use the ribbon interface.

Main functions: transfer, format, rename, open files, smart copy and more.

• Simple interface can be customized;
• The presence of a large number of plugins, extensions, add-ons that increase functionality;
• Safe deletion of files with the possibility of recovery.

• Few built-in features - for example, no Internet client;
• Ribbon interface unusual for some users;
• Conditionally free distribution.

Reviews about this program report: “A good program, functional and simple”, “Better paid analogues, as it does not have many unnecessary, interfering functions.”

Unreal Commander

Unreal Commander is a simple two-pane file manager that has all the necessary features. Distributed for free.

In terms of interface and appearance, it is similar to Total Commander, but has a slightly lower functionality.

An interesting feature is that the software supports plugins and extensions created just for (the exception is plugins for the file system).

It has an Internet client and a multi-format audio player, supports synchronization and work with archives.

• Free distribution;
• Plugin support;
• Convenient and easy internet.

• Narrower functionality compared to Total Commander;
• Support for just a few types of archives;
• Not always stable work.

Reviews about the program are as follows: "Total Commander was not worth the money, this option is better", "Convenient, functional, nothing more."

Free Commander

Another two-pane manager, powerful enough, productive and functional for comfortable work.

You can work in both vertical and horizontal windows.

The software supports multi-tab mode, but you can, for convenience, switch to a single-pane mode.

Works with archives, compares and synchronizes folders, searches according to the specified parameters.

• There is a command line for text control;
• Simple and clear interface that can be customized;
• Can create screenshots;
• Supports permanent deletion of data.

• Narrower functionality compared to other programs of this type;
• Lack of an Internet client;
• Some shortcomings of Russification.

Here is what users say about this software: “Functions are not enough”, “Just right for a free program”, “It works stably, there are enough functions”.

Double Commander

Double Commander is a simple and functional manager that has the necessary set of functions.

It is not too wide, but it is quite suitable for everyday tasks. Distributed for free.

Synchronizes, renames and compares files and folders. It has a built-in multi-format player.

• Support for some plugins for Total Commander;
• Cross-platform - works on all existing platforms;
• Convenient file search function with advanced options.

• Lack of modules for working with archives;
• Lack of own Internet client;
• In general, not too wide basic functionality.

Reviews on the program are as follows: “The lack of an archiver is depressing, but overall it’s not bad”, “You can work with external plug-ins”, “Given that the program is free, it’s fine.”

Multi Commander

Multi Commander- a program from the developer Mathias Svensson.

It is well Russified and distributed free of charge.

It does not have a very wide range of functions, but it has its own Internet client, supports scripts, etc.

There is a module for working in the registry editor and ample opportunities for fine-tuning the interface for yourself.

• Free distribution;
• Work in the background;
• Built-in utilities for image processing.

• Narrow functionality;
• Not always fast startup;
• Due to the unpopularity of the program, there are practically no plug-ins and extensions for it.

Users generally respond well to this software: “A good program, there are enough functions”, “Not enough functions, but I don’t use it often.”

XYplorer

I present the TOP 10 best file managers for the Windows operating system. When compiling the list, only file managers with a graphical interface were taken into account, which are convenient for most users to work with. Therefore, there are no file managers with a text interface, such as FAR Manager or Midnight Commander.

Outside the list of the best file managers are programs that have not been updated for a long time, such as EF Commander, ViewFD, or lesser-known applications: FileVoyager, Tablacus Explorer, muCommander, One Commander, etc.

The file manager program ("file commander") is designed to work with files, disks and folders on a computer. Basically, such programs perform routine operations of copying, transferring or deleting files, opening folders and files, launching applications.

The default file manager in the Windows operating system is Explorer. Many users are not satisfied with the functionality of a standard file manager, so they use other alternative file managers to work on a computer.

Most of the presented programs work only on the Windows platform, but there are also multiplatform applications among them.

One of the best, most popular alternative dual pane file manager for Windows (Android still supported). Total Commander was formerly known as Windows Commander.

In Total Commander, you can perform various operations with files, the application has a customizable menu and appearance, a built-in FTP client with secure connection support, working with archives with its own tools, batch operation, advanced search with the ability to use regular expressions and many other functions.

The possibilities of the Total Commander program are greatly expanded with the help of scripts and numerous plug-ins.

Total Commander works in Russian, the program was created by a developer from Switzerland - Christian Giesler. The program is paid, but can work for free.

A two-pane file manager with a huge range of options for working with files. The SpeedCommander window can be split into two parts horizontally or vertically.

SpeedCommander has built-in full Unicode support, multi-tabbing support, virtual folders, batch operations, and macros. The file manager has a built-in viewer for more than 80 file types, a client for connecting via FTP, FTP-SSL, SFTP, a built-in text editor with syntax support, plugins are supported that expand the program's capabilities.

The program works with 13 types of archives (unpacking, packing), the application has a built-in powerful encryption system and file password protection. SpeedCommander can synchronize data in folders, compare data in folders and files, the file manager has tools for grouping and filtering, etc.

SpeedCommander is a paid program developed in Germany (SpeedProject). To support the Russian language, you need to install the crack.

Powerful file manager with many useful features. The capabilities of the application are extended with the help of plugins. oMega Commander has a friendly, fully customizable interface.

The main features of oMega Commander: ribbon interface, transfer, rename, format tapes, open files in different programs, color grouping of tabs, pinning and saving tabs, file flags, highlighting files by type, multi-window interface, list of favorite windows, smart copy, work with archives, as with regular folders, secure deletion of data without the possibility of recovery, cutting and merging files, multifunctional search, built-in editor, free space control and much more.

oMega Commander is a paid program with Russian language support (developer - Pylonos.com LLC).

A free two-pane file manager with extensive functionality. The program in operation and in appearance is similar to Total Commander. Plugins created for Total Commander (except file system plugins) are supported in Unreal Commander.

Unreal Commander can synchronize folders, batch renaming of files is supported, basic types of archives are supported, an integrated FTP client, an advanced search panel, a media player, file preview in the form of thumbnails, quick viewing with built-in tools, file checksum verification, utilities for downloading and backup and more.

The developer of Unreal Commander is Max Diesel. The program supports the Russian language. To enable the full-featured mode, you need to get a free license key.

The Windows Store with minimalist applications for Windows 8.1 and 10, which began work back in 2011, over the years of development of the latest versions of the system, not only did not destroy the market for Windows desktop programs, but, on the contrary, only emphasized their relevance. Alas, even so far, after 6 years of operation of the store of high-quality and useful applications, there are still quite a few in it. More or less intelligent applications from the Windows Store, as a rule, are either created by Microsoft itself or by developers of paid web services. Or such applications are sold for money. One of the failed niches of software presented in the Windows Store is file managers. Many of them do not even reach the level of Windows Explorer. File managers from the Windows Store generally don't allow EXE files to run, don't unpack archives, and generally offer only minimal file handling options. Whereas the market of desktop file managers can offer an abundance of products that are functionally oriented to different levels of users. Below we consider a dozen desktop file managers for Windows.

1.Total Commander

Total Commander is the most well-known third-party file manager and is an old-timer in the market for this type of software. This is a customizable file manager with a two-pane interface and extensive functionality - with a built-in archiver, file finder, FTP client, split / assemble files, bulk file rename, directory synchronization, with the ability to set internal file associations, with a customizable quick launch panel for programs and services Windows, with support for plugins that expand functionality, with the ability to integrate portable software, etc. Total Commander is a shareware program. It can be freely downloaded and installed on a computer, and there is no time to pay for a license in the future.

2. QDir

Lightweight free program Q-Dir is not as rich in functionality as Total Commander and its counterparts. Q-Dir is more properly viewed as a more user-friendly alternative to Windows Explorer with a customizable interface. The feature of this file manager is the variety of panel layout options. In the program window, you can configure as many as 4 panels displaying computer files, choose the most appropriate version of the three-pane interface, or stop at the standard choice of a window of two panels. Q-Dir can be recommended for beginners because of its resemblance to Windows Explorer.

3.Double Commander

The free file manager Double Commander is suitable for users of computer devices based on different operating systems. It is a cross-platform product with a Linux-style design, for which it was originally created, and was subsequently ported to Windows and Mac systems. Double Commander is a two-pane file manager similar to Total Commander that supports work with plugins of the latter.

4.Multi Commander

Multi Commander is a two-pane file browser. It is free, lightweight, with a customizable interface, its own archiver, FTP client, the ability to configure internal file associations, support for add-ons, plugins and other features. Multi Commander is additionally endowed with separate functions for working with images, video and audio files.

The free NexusFile is a two-pane file manager with a nice lightweight interface and three themes to choose from, its own archiver, FTP client, file shredder, and other features.

6. Unreal Commander

Unreal Commander is a free file manager, almost a clone of Total Commander, only with a different interface design and the ability to change it by installing other themes and other icons on the quick access panel. Unlike Total Commander, Unreal Commander is further enhanced with built-in tools - a backup utility and a download manager.

7. EF Commander

Functional file manager EF Commander - like Total Commander, this is a shareware program. And like the last one, EF Commander is an old-timer in the file manager market: the program was created back in 1994 for OS / 2, and after 2 years it was ported to Windows. Among the features of the program are interface customization, a number of functions for working with files, built-in FTP client and archiver, work with plug-ins, convenient launch of certain standard Windows functions, etc.

8 Directory Opus

The shareware file browser Directory Opus is not as functional as Total Commander and its full-fledged counterparts, but it has a friendly, flexible and customizable interface. Equipped with an FTP client, an archiver, a file finder, a duplicate file tracking function, a multimedia file viewer, an image converter and a slide show function.

9. omega

The shareware oMega file manager is another program that has only a small part of the features that are presented in functional products like Total Commander. The oMega file manager is simple and focused on usability: from a number of other file managers, it features a convenient Ribbon interface - a ribbon interface with drop-down menu tabs, as in Microsoft Office applications and other Microsoft products.

10. Just Manager

The free lightweight file manager Just Manager is similar in organization to Total Commander, but the very name of the program contains a clue that this is more of a quick tool, but not a solution for long and productive work. Just Manager is equipped with an FTP client and can offer basic file operations. It does not even have its own archiver.

But the creator of Just Manager took care of the export-import of the program settings. Whereas the same Total Commander, when reinstalling Windows, either needs to be re-configured or fiddled with manually transferring the “.ini” settings file.

All 10 considered file managers support the Russian-language interface.

Have a great day!

Many users are not satisfied with the functionality of the standard Windows file manager called "Explorer". To expand the scope of options, users download and install additional software. What utilities are suitable for "dozens"?

What is a file manager and why is it needed

File Manager is a utility designed to work with files and directories (folders) on various media: hard drives, flash drives, CDs, DVDs, etc. In the manager window, users can perform the simplest and most frequent actions with documents and entire directories: create , open, view, copy, rename, delete, change attributes, transfer, etc.

The file manager also allows you to quickly search for certain documents in the file system and change the rights (extend or restrict access to them).

In the file manager, users can rename, move, delete files and more

There are two types of managers: navigation and two-pane. The classic Windows utility "Explorer" is an example of a navigation manager. Third-party utilities are usually two-pane, although there are interfaces that are not divided into several parts or imply the inclusion of one or more panels in the settings.

The main advantage of two-panel programs is speed and ease of use. The number of clicks decreases when performing actions with files (copying, moving, etc.).

In two-pane managers, it is convenient to transfer and copy files from one folder to another

Third-party file managers usually offer options for professional use: backup, networking (via NFS, FTP, etc.), printer management, and more.

Popular file managers for "dozens"

There are quite a few file managers that are suitable for the "dozens". Consider the most famous options for paid and free utilities.

Total Commander

Total Commander is an ageless "classic", a two-panel assistant for working with the file system. The utility was previously known as Windows Commander. It was written two decades ago by the Swiss developer Christian Giesler.

In Total Commander, you can change a large number of parameters in the "Settings" window

You will have to pay for using the manager - 40 euros per user. This is perhaps the only negative that may scare away some users. The interface has been translated into Russian and many other languages.

The functionality includes the following features:

1. An integrated FTP client that supports a secure connection.
2. Fast and advanced search through the use of specific queries.
3. Support for various plugins and scripts that expand the manager's feature set.
4. Processing archives, extracting files from them. Supported archive formats are: ZIP, 7ZIP, ARJ, LZH, RAR, UC2, TAR, GZ, CAB, ACE.
5. Create bookmarks.
6. Customizing the menu and appearance of the manager.
7. Automatic interface scaling.
8. Copying files to a directory without having to launch it in a second panel.
9. Rename, delete and copy objects in the background.
10. Display frequently used utilities in a drop-down menu.
11. Option to search for files "Older than...".
12. History of queries for searching objects.
13. Splitting and combining documents.
14. Permanent access to the network environment and the file system of computers on the network.
15. Support for Drag-and-Drop technology, which allows you to more quickly and conveniently manage items in the file system.

Total Commander is suitable for such Windows variants as: 2000, XP, NT, ME, 98, 95, Vista, 7, 10. The developer also wrote a version of the manager for Android, which, by the way, is already distributed free of charge.

Total Commander supports directory synchronization feature

The application is available for download on the official website of the developer. First, each user is given the opportunity to work in the manager for free.

Video: review of the classic third-party manager Total Commander

oMega Commander is another paid version of the functional manager, the interface of which consists of two panels. The app developer is the Pylonos team. The utility is translated into Russian and supports plugins that are constantly updated and created.

The interface of oMega Commander is very colorful and convenient: file types are distinguished by colors

The menu can be customized: list, icons, thumbnails, tabs. The interface is simpler and clearer than that of Total Commander.

Among all the features of the manager, we highlight the main ones:

1. Tape interface: transfer, formatting, renaming tapes.
2. Create, save and pin tabs, as well as their color separation.
3. Highlight elements according to their format.
4. Checking the boxes next to files.
5. Multi-window interface with a list of favorite windows.
6. Working with archives as with standard folders.
7. Advanced search for objects in the system.
8. Built-in editor.
9. Complete safe deletion of elements without the possibility of recovering them in the future.
10. Splitting and merging files.
11. Control of free space on the media.

Although this manager is considered quite powerful, it still has some drawbacks: the lack of a web client and a shareware download and installation. After a certain period of use, they will be asked to pay for work in the manager. The price, however, is up to you.

Users set the price of oMega Commander themselves

If you do not need to work online in a file manager and use other additional features, this program will suit you. You need to download it on the official website. The installer weighs only 7.1 MB. It is suitable for Windows versions from XP to "tens".

FreeCommander is a real find for fans of free programs with a sufficient set of functions. The application was developed by a Polish programmer (Marek Jasinski). The program supports the Russian language and many tabs, and can also work in both single-pane and dual-pane modes (horizontal and vertical arrangement).

In the FreeCommander window, you can preview images without running separate utilities

The utility offers its users the following:

1. Work with files in archives of such formats: ZIP, RAR, and CAB.
2. Portable version (run the program from any removable drive).
3. Flexible interface customization similar to oMega Commander, including choice between thumbnails, tables, horizontal and vertical lists. Various color schemes are also available, which can be downloaded separately.
4. Complete removal of objects without the possibility of returning them to the catalog in the future.
5. Built-in FTP client.
6. Quick launch of the built-in DOS command console for text management.
7. Control the total amounts of items in folders.
8. Comparison and synchronization of directories.
9. Quick preview of objects right in the manager window.
10. Group renaming of elements.
11. Hotkey support.
12. Creation of screenshots.

The main disadvantage of a free manager is that its functionality is narrower than that of paid options. However, even the proposed amount of options is more than enough even for the average user.

The program makes the following requirements for the computer:

• Windows XP-10;
• 2 GB RAM;
• 100 MB of free disk space.

Double Commander is a convenient and simple manager from a Russian manufacturer that works without any payments. The interface consists of two panels. The program supports multiple platforms including Windows, Mac OS, FreeBSD and Linux. It works not only in Windows 10, but also in older versions of Windows: 7, 8, 8.1, XP, Vista. Manager developer - Alexander Koblov. The application does not have its own website. It can be downloaded from the creator's official page at this .

Double Commander was created by Russian developer Alexander Koblov

The functionality of this manager includes the following:

1. Opening folders in multiple tabs (for each panel).
2. Renaming a group of objects at once.
3. Performing actions in the background.
4. File preview.
5. Working with archives (ZIP, GZ, TGZ, LZMA (7z), as well as BZ2, RPM, CPIO, DEB, RAR), including copying from one to another without extracting objects.
6. Advanced search: use of regular expressions and search by text in files.
7. Buttons on the top toolbar for launching external utilities.
8. Support for Total Commander plugins: WCX, WDX, WLX and WFX.
9. Integrated text editor with syntax highlighting and player that supports popular audio and video formats.
10. Using Lua Scripts.
11. Compare files and folders.

The program interface can be customized, for example, changing the background from light to dark.

In Double Commander, you can change the color scheme of the interface

The minus of the utility is the lack of a web client. A portable version is available for download. The installation package weighs just over 11 MB.

Video: how to install DoubleCommander

SpeedCommander is a paid product from the German SpeedProject development team with an impressive set of features. The manager consists of two panels that can be placed both vertically and horizontally. For two months, the program can be used free of charge without any restrictions in functions. You can download the file manager from the official resource of the creator.

SpeedCommander is free to use for two months

SpeedCommander can perform the following tasks:

1. Create virtual folders.
2. View files in over 80 formats.
3. Connect to the network via FTP, FTP-SSL and SFTP servers.
4. Edit texts with syntax and spell checking.
5. Work with 13 types of archives (merging and unpacking).
6. Synchronize and compare objects in directories.
7. Group and filter files.
8. Run batches of operations, macros.
9. Create your own work packages.

The negative aspects of the paid utility are the heavy load on the hardware of the device and the absence of the Russian language. The manager has the following requirements for the PC:

• OS - Windows 7, 8, 10;
• processor - 1 GHz;
• RAM - 512 MB;
• free disk space - 51 MB.

Unreal Commander is similar in interface to Total Commander. Its creator is developer Max Diesel. The program supports the Russian language. To use it, you must first obtain a free license key that the system creates on the official website of the program. From here it is recommended to download its installer.

Unreal Commander lets you rename multiple files at once

Unreal Commander provides its customers with the following options:

1. Support for plugins and add-ons written for Total Commander, with the exception of those created for the file system.
2. Working with an FTP client.
3. Built-in multi-format audio player.
4. Group renaming of objects.
5. Working with archives of such formats as: ZIP, RAR, ACE, CAB, JAR, TAR, LHA, GZ, TGZ, ARJ.
6. Thumbnail previews and quick previews with built-in tools.
7. Checking the sums of objects in directories.
8. Integrated download and backup utilities.
9. Advanced search on a separate panel.
10. Directory synchronization.
11. Skin support.
12. By quickly assigning an icon to a directory and others.

The program works on all popular versions of Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10.

NexusFile is a file manager from Xiles, available for free download on the official website. The installer will load quickly, as it weighs only 3.2 MB. On the specified resource you can download a portable version.

In NexusFile, you can fine-tune the interface: different colors for file types, background, icons, and more

NexusFile can be compared with the paid oMega Commander in terms of its appearance customization capabilities. In it, you can customize the color scheme, change folder icons and install skins - themed covers. When copying, however, the previously installed directory icons disappear, they have to be re-installed.

In a special window with settings, you can change the colors for different types of files.

NexusFile provides its users with the following features:

Just Manager is a free product from the developer Nikita Leontiev, which is equipped with all the main functions of a modern file manager (tabs, FTP client, group file renaming, advanced file search and filtering, etc.). You can download the utility installer from the official resource.

In Just Manager, you can quickly open the "Command Prompt" or the "Run" window

The program boasts the following range of features:

1. Installing up to 16 panels.
2. Changing the color of files in the list depending on the extension.
3. Browsing Windows system folders.
4. Full Unicode support.
5. Quick start "Command line".
6. Support for the Russian language, hot keys.
7. Operation Drag-and-Drop and others.

With all these advantages, the utility still weighs little. The installer takes about 1 MB. A portable version of Just Manager is also available for download.

Paid programs (Total Commander, oMega Commander, Directory Opus and others) usually provide more features than free ones. However, it is still not worth discounting the latter: their functionality is quite enough for normal home use and speeding up the process of working with files. If you need free software with web client support, choose MultiCommander, Double Commander or NexusFile. Free Commander is a utility with narrower functionality, but even it allows you to view images directly in its window and listen to audio thanks to the built-in player.