Best Windows 10 File Managers 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 utilise a variety of third-party file manager apps for Windows 10 as an alternative to 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.

Windows 10's Best File Managers

It's a good idea to install and try out a few of them to see which one is best for you.

1. A single commander.

One Commander is one of the greatest file managers available for Windows. The most recent version, V3, adds a slew of new features, enhancements, and settings that you might enjoy. The most useful feature is that you can open two interactive folders side by side in the same window. It uses the default programmes to open all files, allowing you to access any file without difficulty. Aside from that, the One Commander file manager programme allows you to connect to 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.
• Opens files in the appropriate default programmes.
• In the dark mode
• View from a small distance
• Version that can be taken anywhere
• OneDrive should be connected.

Cons:

• None

2. Documents

Files is a free open-source file manager for Windows 10 that can be downloaded through the Microsoft Store. It has practically all of 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 it, 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 of the settings are well labelled.

Pros:

• Theme: gloomy
• The user interface is fluid.
• Default programmes are used to open files.
• All common cloud storage sources are supported.
• Right-click menu that can be customised
• On the home screen, you can show or conceal the Library folders.

Cons:

• There isn't a side-by-side panel.
• Background processes are loaded indefinitely.

3. Using the 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. It loads all of the files and folders, but 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 programmes (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 feature that stands out is the ability to have a side-by-side panel that allows you to open many folders at once.

Pros:

• Panels that are stacked one on top of the other
• Explorer files and folders in a tree view
• Management of cloud storage
• Manage external drives, USB drives, CD/DVD drives, and other media.
• In the dark mode
• Default programmes are used to open files.

Cons:

• There is no free version available.
• Occasionally, there are lags.
• Continually loads important background processes

4. File Explorer

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

Pros:

• User interface that is easy to use
  
• Various colour schemes
• In the dark mode
• Access to cloud storage

Cons:

• Needs to manually open drives
• In the context menu, there is a limit option.

5. Windows File Manager

If you like the look and feel of Windows 7 and want to bring it to Windows 10, Windows File Manager can help. Despite the fact that the user interface appears to be obsolete, it contains practically all of the main functionality that you could want in a file manager tool. On one side, it has a tree view, and on the other, it has a list view, making it easier for users to travel to a certain route and browse folders/files while on the go. Expand All is an option that expands all of the folders in a specific drive at once. However, there is one feature in this software that is missing: dark mode.

Pros:

• For folder administration, use the tree view.
• Panels that are stacked one on top of the other
• Files are automatically opened using the default programmes.
• Sort by name, date, size, and so on.
• Management of network drives

Cons:

• The user interface is outdated.
• There isn't a dark theme here.

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. To put it another way, you can convert photos, documents, audios, and other files from one format to another. The best part about this programme is that you can convert files and manage quality in bulk, making the converting 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.
• Interface with several tabs
• Viewer for Exif data

Cons:

• The user interface is bloated.
• There isn't a dark theme here.

7. On the file side

If you frequently need to open several folders, consider Fileside, which allows you to open more than two 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:

• Support for multiple window panes
• It allows you to open up to four folders in one window.
• Files are automatically opened using the default programmes.
• In the dark mode
• There is no lag.
• Layout that is unique

Cons:

Nothing significant has happened.

8.RX Explorer 

Without a doubt, when it comes to the best-looking file manager for Windows 10, RX Explorer is 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 of the other programmes mentioned, allows you to open many folders in one window using multi-tab. It contains a sidebar with tree-view, just like the built-in File Explorer, so you can rapidly switch between directories. It doesn't have a dark mode, but when the window isn't in use, it switches to a grey mode.

Pros:

• Without delays, good animations and transitions
• User interface that is easy to use
• Compress/decompress
• Open a file with Terminal or File Explorer directly.
• To open many folders in one window, use the multi-tab feature.

Cons:

• It takes a long time for the context menu to appear.
• There is no dark mode.

Which Windows 10 File Manager is Your Favorite?

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.