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 the “ten”?

What is a file manager and what is it for?

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 common actions with documents and entire directories: create, open, view, copy, rename, delete, change attributes, transfer, etc.

The file manager also allows you to perform quick searches certain documents By file system and change rights (expand or limit access to them).

In the file manager, users can rename, move, delete files, etc.

There are two types of managers: navigation and two-panel. Classical Windows utility"Explorer" is an example of a navigation manager. Third-party utilities usually have two panels, although there are also interfaces that are not divided into several parts or require 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.).

Two-panel managers make it convenient to transfer and copy files from one folder to another

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

Popular file managers for the “ten”

There are quite a few file managers that are suitable for the “top ten”. Let's look at the most famous options for paid and free utilities.

Total Commander

Total Commander- a timeless “classic”, two-panel assistant for working with the file system. Previously, the utility was known as Windows Commander. It was written two decades ago by Swiss developer Christian Giesler.

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

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

The functionality includes the following features:

1. 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 range of manager functions.
4. Processing archives, extracting files from them. The following archive formats are supported: ZIP, 7ZIP, ARJ, LZH, RAR, UC2, TAR, GZ, CAB, ACE.
5. Creating bookmarks.
6. Customizing the menu and appearance of the manager.
7. Automatic interface scaling.
8. Copy files to a directory without having to launch it in the 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 merging documents.
14. Constant 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 elements in the file system.

Total Commander is suitable for such Windows options, like: 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 developer's official website. 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 application developer is the Pylonos team. The utility has been translated into Russian and supports plugins that are constantly updated and created.

The interface of oMega Commander is very colorful and convenient: file types vary in color

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

Among all the manager’s capabilities, we highlight the main ones:

1. Tape interface: transfer, format, rename tapes.
2. Create, save and pin tabs, as well as their color division.
3. Highlighting elements according to their format.
4. Check 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 within the system.
8. Built-in editor.
9. Completely securely delete items without the ability to restore them later.
10. Cutting and merging files.
11. Control of free space on the media.

Although this manager is considered quite powerful, it still has some disadvantages: the lack of a web client and conditional free download and installation. After a certain period of use, you will be asked to pay for the work in the manager. However, you set the price yourself.

Users set the price of oMega Commander themselves

If you don’t need to work online in a file manager and use other additional functions, this program is suitable for you. You need to download it from the official website. The installer weighs only 7.1 MB. It is suitable for Windows versions from XP to "ten".

FreeCommander is a real find for lovers of free programs with a sufficient range 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-panel and double-panel mode (horizontal and vertical layout).

You can preview images in the FreeCommander window without launching separate utilities

The utility offers its users the following:

1. Working with files in archive formats: ZIP, RAR, and CAB.
2. Portable version (run the program from any removable storage device).
3. Flexible interface settings like oMega Commander, including the choice between thumbnails, tables, horizontal and vertical lists. Various color schemes are also available and can be downloaded separately.
4. Completely deleting objects without the ability to return them to the catalog in the future.
5. Built-in FTP client.
6. Quickly launch the built-in DOS command console for text-based control.
7. Control of total amounts of items in folders.
8. Directory comparison and synchronization.
9. Quick preview of objects directly in the manager window.
10. Group renaming of elements.
11. Hotkey support.
12. Taking screenshots.

Main disadvantage free manager the fact that its functionality is narrower than that of paid options. However, even the proposed volume of options is more than enough even for an ordinary 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 fees. The interface consists of two panels. The program supports several platforms, including Windows, Mac OS, FreeBSD and Linux. It works not only in the “top ten”, but also in older ones Windows versions: 7, 8, 8.1, XP, Vista. Manager developer - Alexander Koblov. The application does not have its own website. It can be downloaded from official page creator on this.

Double Commander created 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. Perform actions in the background.
4. Preview files.
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 regular expressions and search text in files.
7. Buttons on top panel tools for launching external utilities.
8. Support for Total Commander plugins: WCX, WDX, WLX and WFX.
9. Integrated text editor with syntax highlighting and a player that supports popular audio and video formats.
10. Using Lua scripts.
11. Comparison of 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 interface colors

The downside of the utility is the lack of a web client. A portable version is available for download. The installation package weighs a little more than 11 MB.

Video: how to install DoubleCommander

SpeedCommander is a paid product from the German development team SpeedProject with an impressive set of functions. The manager consists of two panels that can be positioned both vertically and horizontally. You can use the program for free for two months without any restrictions in functions. Download file manager possible 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 spelling checking.
5. Work with 13 types of archives (merging and unpacking).
6. Synchronize and compare objects in catalogs.
7. Group and filter files.
8. Execute batches of operations and macros.
9. Create packages of operations yourself.

The negative aspects of the paid utility are the heavy load on the device’s hardware and the lack of 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's interface is similar to Total Commander. Its creator is developer Max Diesel. The program supports Russian language. To use, you must first get a free one. license key, which the system creates on the official website of the program. From here it is recommended to download its installer.

Unreal Commander allows you to rename multiple files at once

Unreal Commander provides its clients with the following options:

1. Support for plugins and additions 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. Preview images as thumbnails and quickly view them using built-in tools.
7. Checking the amounts of objects in catalogs.
8. Integrated utilities for downloading and backup.
9. Advanced search in a separate panel.
10. Directory synchronization.
11. Support for skins.
12. Quickly assign icons to catalogs 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 download quickly, as it weighs only 3.2 MB. You can download a portable version from the specified resource.

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

In terms of customization options, NexusFile can be compared to the paid oMega Commander. You can customize it color scheme, change folder icons and install skins - thematic covers. When copying, however, the previously installed directory icons disappear and have to be reinstalled.

In a special settings window you can change the colors for different types files

NexusFile provides its users with the following features:

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

Just Manager lets you quickly open the Command Prompt or Run window

The program boasts the following range of capabilities:

1. Installation of up to 16 panels.
2. Changing the color of files in the list depending on the extension.
3. Viewing system folders Windows.
4. Full Unicode support.
5. Quick launch of the Command Line.
6. Support for Russian language and hotkeys.
7. Drag-and-Drop operation 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 functions than free ones. However, you shouldn’t discount the latter: their functionality is quite enough for ordinary home use and speed 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.

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 do without such software at all, but working on a PC with it becomes faster and easier.

In this material we will look at file managers for .

Choice

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

But their main difference is in the type of interface itself: it can be graphical, like a typical program, or textual, more like a command line.

The second option is not convenient or 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 the user can select the necessary content much faster. However, in order for the installation of such software to be justified, you need to choose the most suitable one for yourself, taking into account many technical characteristics.

Specifications

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

Name	License	Cross-platform	Working with archives using your own means	Built-in Internet client
Total Commander	Paid (demo version available)	Yes (Android)	Yes	Yes
Speed ​​Commander	Paid (demo version available)	No	Yes	Yes
oMega Commander	Paid (demo version available)	No	No	No
Unreal Commander	For free	No	Yes	Yes
Free Commander	For free	No	Yes	No
Double Commander	For free	Yes	No	No
Multi Commander	For free	No	Yes	Yes
XYplorer	Free basic version, paid advanced version	No	No (paid version has it)	No (paid version has it)
Directory Opus	For free	Relative	Yes	Yes
Q-Dir	For free	No	No	No

You can find out 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 .

It is quite convenient, multifunctional and has a familiar interface.

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

You can work with, customize file packages, and use advanced search using various parameters.

There is a built-in Internet client that supports a secure connection.

• Cross-platform - yes convenient version for Android;
• The widest functionality with a large number of additional features;
• Availability and constant updating and expansion of scripts and plugins, increasing the functionality of the software.

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

User reviews of the software are as follows: “Worth the money”, “Excellent functionality, a lot of possibilities.”

Speed ​​Commander

In terms of interface, this manager is similar to the previous one - it also has a two-panel operating principle.

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

The software is multifunctional and supports . Can perform batch operations, macros, and generates batches itself. Can create virtual folders.

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

• Paid distribution (free demo version available);
• Inconvenient interface;

Reviews about the software are as follows: “Good functional program”, “The interface is not very user-friendly, 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 through constantly emerging and updated 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.

• The simple interface can be customized;
• Availability large quantity plugins, extensions, add-ons that increase functionality;
• Securely delete files with recovery options.

• Few built-in capabilities - for example, there is no Internet client;
• The ribbon interface is unusual for some users;
• Conditionally free distribution.

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

Unreal Commander

Unreal Commander is a simple two-panel file manager that has all the necessary functions. Distributed free of charge.

It is similar in interface and appearance to Total Commander, but has slightly lower functionality.

An interesting feature is that the software supports plugins and extensions created specifically for this purpose (with the exception of 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 simple Internet.

• Narrower functionality compared to Total Commander;
• Supports only 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 superfluous.”

Free Commander

Another two-panel 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 single-pane mode.

Works with archives, compares and synchronizes folders, and performs searches based on specified parameters.

• Available command line for text control;
• Simple and intuitive interface that can be customized;
• Can create screenshots;
• Supports permanent deletion data.

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

Here's what users say about this software: “Not enough functions”, “For free program just right”, “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 quite suitable for everyday tasks. Distributed free of charge.

Synchronizes, renames and compares files and folders. 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 your own Internet client;
• In general, the basic functionality is not very broad.

Reviews of the program are as follows: “The lack of an archiver is depressing, but overall not bad”, “You can work with external plugins”, “Considering 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 to suit you.

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

• Narrow functionality;
• Not always a quick start;
• Due to the unpopularity of the program, there are practically no plugins or extensions for it.

Users generally speak well of this software: “It’s a good program, there are enough functions,” “Not enough functions, but I don’t use it often.”

XYplorer

Every PC user had to work with files: create, move, copy, view, play. This is not always convenient when working in Explorer. What to do? Use a file manager. This special software helping to make work more convenient. Let's look at the best file manager for Windows 10.

What is it for?

The main task is to increase work productivity.

The reader will think more carefully about which file manager is built into the Windows OS. This is the Explorer. Many people miss the opportunities provided by Explorer. What to do? Specialized software will help. Let's figure out which one to choose the best file manager for Windows.

How does this work

File manager is a program that works with files. Using special algorithms, it creates a list of files and sorts them. Therefore, searching for information is faster. How to choose the right file manager for Windows? Look at its capabilities, ease of use, and the ability to expand functionality. Is it supported to install additional plugins to make your work easier?

Total Commander

The official website is located at: https://wincmd.ru/. The application interface consists of two panels.

There are also versions for Android.

Peculiarities:

1. FTP client, working over a secure connection;
2. Working with archives using the built-in archiver;
3. Search (use regular expressions);
4. Installing plugins to improve functionality.

Conclusion

We reviewed the TOP 8 applications that can replace Explorer. I'm working with Total Commander. Its feature is the ability to expand functionality using plugins. If you frequently move and edit files, pay attention to Q-Dir. Its feature is a four-panel interface. Changes to 3,2 or 1 panel. If you care about security, install SpeedCommander.

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. That's why there are no file managers here text interface, such as FAR Manager or Midnight Commander.

Not included in the list of the best file managers are programs that have not been updated for a long time, for example, 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 such as copying, moving or deleting files, opening folders and files, and launching applications.

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

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

One of the best, most popular alternative dual-pane file manager for Windows (Android is also supported). Total Commander was formerly called 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 support for a secure connection, working with archives using your own tools, batch mode, advanced search with the ability to use regular expressions and many other functions.

The capabilities of the Total Commander program are significantly expanded with the help of scripts and numerous plugins.

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-panel file manager with a huge range of capabilities for working with files. The SpeedCommander window can be split into two parts, either horizontally or vertically.

SpeedCommander has full Unicode support, multi-tab 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, and supports plugins that expand the capabilities of the program.

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

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

Powerful file manager with a lot of useful functions. The application's capabilities are expanded using plugins. oMega Commander has a friendly, fully customizable interface.

Main features of oMega Commander: ribbon interface, moving, renaming, formatting ribbons, opening 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 copying, working 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 (developed by Pylonos.com LLC).

Free two-pane file manager with wide functionality. The program is in progress and appearance similar to Total Commander. Unreal Commander supports plugins created for Total Commander (except file system plugins).

Unreal Commander can synchronize folders, supports batch renaming of files, supports the main types of archives, a built-in FTP client, an advanced search panel, a media player, file previews in the form of thumbnails, quick viewing with built-in tools, checking file checksums, utilities for downloading and backup and much more.

Unreal Commander developer - Max Diesel. The program supports Russian language. To enable the full-featured mode, you must obtain a free license key.

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