8 File Managers for Windows 10 to Replace File Explorer

Although the built-in Windows File Explorer has progressed significantly in recent years, it hasn’t changed much in the last decade. Fortunately, you can download and utilize a variety of third-party file manager apps for Windows 10 to replace the default File Explorer. We’ve compiled a list of 10 unique Windows file managers, and the best part is that the majority of them are either free or inexpensive.

Do you know the Best Sandbox Apps for Windows 10 to Keep You Safe?

Best File Managers for Windows 10

It is recommended that you install and try out a few of them to determine the best solution for you.

1. One Commander

One Commander is one of the greatest file managers available for Windows. The most recent version, V3, has numerous enhancements, new features, and options that you may like. The most useful feature is that you can open two interactive folders side by side in the same window. It uses the default programs to open all files, allowing you to access any file without difficulty. Aside from that, the One Commander file manager program allows you to connect your OneDrive account, use dark mode, search for a certain file, view file metadata, and more.

Pros:

• To open two folders, use the side-by-side panel.
• All drivers and Library folders are accessible.
• It opens files in the appropriate software.
• Dark setting
• View in miniature
• Version portable
• OneDrive integration

Cons:

• None

Get One Commander

2. Files

Files is an open-source file manager accessible on the Microsoft Store for Windows 10. It has practically all the necessary options and functions, although there are a few minor flaws. It takes a few moments to load each folder while exploring, for example. Furthermore, some background activities continue to operate even when you are not actively using them, and the effect is evident. You can access cloud storage files such as OneDrive, Google Drive, and others in addition to the partitions. The user interface is intuitive, and all the settings are well labeled.

Pros:

• Dark color scheme
• Effortless user interface
• Default programs are used to open files.
• All common cloud storage sources are supported.
• Right-click the menu with personalization
• On the home screen, show or conceal Library folders.

Cons:

• There is no side-by-side panel.
• Background processes are loaded continuously.

Get Files

Have a look at How to Clean Installation of Windows 10 Easily?

3. File Commander

File Commander is a premium file explorer tool for Windows 10 that you may try on your PC for free for seven days. All files and directories are loaded, however, it takes a few moments for them to appear on the screen. You can access your Library folders (Documents, Pictures, Music, etc.) and discs, much like the other file manager programs (internal and external). Cloud storage can be accessed, but it must first be added to the sidebar of the original Windows File Explorer. In terms of the overall user interface, there are no issues. The highlight is the ability to open multiple directories simultaneously using a side-by-side panel.

Pros:

• Panels placed side by side
• Explorer files and folders in a tree view
• Cloud storage administration
• Manage external drives, USB drives, CD/DVD drives, and other media.
• Dark setting
• Default programs are used to open files.

Cons:

• No free version is available
• Periodic lags
• Always loads significant background processes

Get File Commander (Free trial, $8.09)

4. File Browser

File Browser is another file manager software for Windows 10 that has a really nice user interface but lower functionality than some of the other apps we’ve discussed so far. You can open any drive, access cloud files, the Library folder, and so on without difficulty, but you must do so manually. In other words, the program allows you to explore the drive, but you must manually open it. For example, if you have a D drive and want to look at all the folders, choose Go to and select D drive. Apart from this tiny annoyance, there are no other flaws. File Browser, like other file management and explorer programs, opens files in their default apps, features a dark theme, many color schemes, and a multi-tab capability.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Various color schemes
• Dark setting
• Access to cloud storage

Cons:

• Needs to manually open drives
• The context menu has a limit option.

Get File Browser

5. Windows File Manager

If you like the look and feel of Windows 7 and wish to bring it to Windows 10, Windows File Manager can help. Although the user interface appears to be archaic, it contains nearly all the fundamental functions that you would expect from a file manager tool. It offers a tree view on one side and a list view on the other, making it easier for users to navigate to specific folders and files while on the go. Expand All is an option that expands all the folders in a specific drive at once. However, this software is missing one feature: dark mode.

Pros:

• Folder management in a tree view
• Panels placed side by side
• Automatically opens files with default apps
• Sort by name, date, or size.
• Management of network drives

Cons:

• The user interface is outdated.
• The theme is not dark.

Get Windows File Manager

6. File Viewer Plus

File Viewer Plus isn’t your usual file manager for Windows 10. It’s a file opener and converter that lets you open and convert files between different formats. In other words, you can change the format of your photographs, papers, audio, and other files. The best part about this program is that you can convert files and manage quality in bulk, making the conversion process easier and faster. Aside from that, you may open and view virtually any file on your computer, including photographs, PDFs, documents, movies, and so on.

Pros:

• Bulk file conversion
• Control the output file’s quality.
• Tabbed user interface
• Viewer for EXIF data

Cons:

• A bloated user interface
• The theme is not dark.

Get File Viewer Plus (Free, in-app purchase)

7. Fileside

If you frequently need to open numerous folders, try Fileside, which allows you to open multiple folders in the same window. Fileside can be opened in many windows, each of which can hold four separate folders at the same time. In terms of UI, there will be no lag or major background processes running on the screen. Each of the four sections is interactive, allowing you to copy and paste files and directories while viewing other discs. It also has a dark mode.

Pros:

• Multiple-window support
• Up to four folders can be opened in one window.
• Automatically opens files with default apps
• Dark setting
• No latency
• Personalized design

Cons:

• Nothing noteworthy

Get Fileside (free trial, $19)

8. RX Explorer

When it comes to the best-looking file manager for Windows 10, RX Explorer is without a doubt at the top of the list. There are a few animations/transitions, but they run smoothly and there is no lag when accessing folders or discs. It, like some other programs mentioned, allows you to open many folders in one window using multi-tab. And It provides a sidebar with a tree-view to swiftly switch between directories, just like the built-in File Explorer. It does not have a dark mode, but when the window is inactive, it switches to a gray mode.

Pros:

• Without delays, good animations, and transitions
• User-friendly interface
• Compress/decompress
• To open many folders in one window, use File Explorer Multi-tab or directly open a file in Terminal.

Cons:

• Context menus take a while to load.
• No dark mode

Get RX Explorer (free trial, $4.99)

Read also: 10 Best Windows 10 Apps for 2022

Final Verdict: Best File Managers for Windows 10

Varied Windows 10 file managers have different features, but they all have one thing in common: they allow you to open files and folders according to your needs. Some people prefer fewer options, while others prefer a full-featured file manager on their computer. In any case, we hope that the file management apps for Windows 10 listed above can assist you in being more productive.