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 normal 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

Free programs for computers and mobile devices running the Windows operating system. Download file manager in Russian: File Navigator, FreeCommander, Alt Commander, NexusFile, Q-Dir, ViewFD, Xplorer2 Lite, Servant Salamander, Double Commander, muCommande, etc.

Norton Commander is a world famous file manager developed by John Souhe but improved by Symantec. The dual-window mode facilitates the process of copying, moving and searching data. Despite the DOS shell, the application is relevant even for modern operating systems. Of course, all the above processes can be performed ...

WinSCP is a free file manager that works with SFTP and SCP protocols. free graphical client for SFTP and SCP protocols, works only on Windows. Available online under the GNU GPL. With it, you will be sure that all your...

FAR Manager is a file manager for Microsoft Windows operating systems that works through the console. The FAR Manager program has a two-window ideology, a standard blue coloring and a command system, the same as that of the Norton Commader file manager.

Easy to install and easy to manage - FileZilla file manager. You will not spend a lot of time with installation and configuration, but only the things you need.

Let me introduce you the File Navigator file manager. Its first release took place fourteen years ago in 1998, and all this time the developer of the program has been improving it, increasing its functionality, forcing it to keep pace with the times. As a result, the user...

Let me introduce the file manager of 2007 - FreeCommander. Like most of its brothers, this software specializes in performing various operations on files:

Fast and compact file manager are the main features of Alt Commander. This program will require no more than 700 kb of system resources from your personal computer, and in return it will provide you with a complete set of necessary tools for everyday work with files and folders.

Let's get acquainted with the NexusFile file manager. It is designed for Windows 7, so lovers of harmonies and connoisseurs of this style should pay attention to it.

The original file manager, this is how you can briefly characterize the free Q-Dir program. Its originality can be detected immediately after installing the program. You can install Q-Dir on any external media without spending much-needed computer resources.

A lightweight, fast file manager developed by a Russian programmer is a short, self-explanatory summary of the free ViewFD program.

The presented file manager, developed by Nikos Bozinis, resembles Windows Explorer in structure and method of management and is called xplorer2 Lite.

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 typically do not allow you to run EXE files, do not unpack archives, and in general offer only a minimum of options for working with files. Whereas the desktop file manager market 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 option for a three-panel 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: it differs from a number of other file managers in its convenient Ribbon interface - a ribbon interface with drop-down menu tabs, like 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!

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.

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 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.

FreeCommander

FreeCommander is a free powerful two-pane (horizontal or vertical panel) file manager. The program supports many tabs, but can also work in single-pane mode.

FreeCommander can work with archives, check file checksums, perform directory comparison and synchronization, quick search, the application has a built-in DOS command console, supports bulk file renaming, permanent deletion of files, screenshots and much more.

The FreeCommander program was created by a developer from Poland - Marek Jasinski, the application works in Russian.

Free file manager with two-window interface. The program works on different platforms (Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD).

Double Commander has built-in tools for bulk file renaming and synchronization, all operations are performed in the background, tab support is implemented, a built-in file viewer, thumbnail view, working with archives, advanced file search, including regular expressions, a function to suspend file operations , there is support for some plugins for Total Commander, etc.

The Double Commander program was created by a team of developers from Russia who are striving to create a file manager similar in functionality to Total Commander.

Powerful multi-window two-pane file manager. In addition to performing standard operations, the program has additional functionality.

The free Multi Commander program supports plug-ins, works with archives, built-in utilities for working with images, tools for working with audio files, it is possible to customize the appearance of the program to suit your needs, operations are performed in the background, a built-in registry editor, an FTP client, implemented scripting support, etc.

The Multi Commander program works in Russian (developer - Mathias Svensson).

XYplorer

XYplorer is a functional file manager designed as a replacement for File Explorer. The program has two versions: the full version of XYplorer Pro (paid) and the version with limited functionality XYplorer Free (free).

XYplorer supports work in an unlimited number of multi-tabs, the application has a customizable interface in single-pane or dual-pane mode, many additional tools and functions are built into the program, there is a rollback of changes, viewing multimedia files, comparing and renaming files, support for scripts and batch operations, calculation and display folder size, advanced search, synchronization between directories, viewing properties and editing file tags, it is possible to assign tags and color labels to files, etc.

Developer XYplorer - Donald Lessau, the program supports the Russian language.

A file manager created for Commodore AMIGA computers that had their own operating systems installed. In the future, the program began to be used as an alternative to Windows Explorer.

The Directory Opus program has customizable toolbars, a two-pane interface with a folder tree, the ability to replace Explorer, it is possible to change interface colors, there is an advanced search function, search for duplicate files, virtual folder technology works, you can configure file and folder synchronization in the application, FTP works , viewing of graphic files is implemented, plug-ins are supported, slide shows can be launched, etc.

Directory Opus is a paid program, developed in Australia (GPSoftware), supports Russian.

Q-dir

Q-Dir is a free file manager with an unusual four-pane interface. The user can change the interface of the program, leaving only one, two or three windows in a horizontal or vertical arrangement.

Q-Dir integrates with Explorer in the context menu, the program has a built-in magnifier, you can quickly navigate to favorite folders, color highlighting of different file types works, the program is tiny (less than 2 MB), etc.

The Q-Dir program works in Russian (developer from Germany - Nenad Hrg).

Article Conclusions

Top 10 file managers: Total Commander, SpeedCommander, oMega Commander, Unreal Commander, FreeCommander, Double Commander, Multi Commander, XYplorer, Directory Opus, Q-Dir can successfully replace Explorer - the standard Windows file manager.

Review of the best at the moment, free file managers.

File managers tightly entered the lives of many people who communicate with a computer. Two-pane, four-panel, vertically and horizontally split panels, with and without built-in viewing... After all, even Windows Explorer is also a file manager.

In general, these are programs designed to combine Windows Explorer, the Start menu, and provide minimal functionality in the form of an image viewer, player, and even an Internet browser. The convenience of such programs is proven by the survivability of such representatives as Norton Commander and Volkov Commander, who visualized the DOS interface.

In this review, we will look at the most popular free file managers.

Oh Totel!!! Perhaps the most popular file manager. Why am I describing it here? Yes, it is shareware, but its "charm" lies in the fact that each time you start you have to press one of the three buttons that it shows you. It all more than makes up for what he can do.

It is supported both on the manufacturer's website (https://www.ghisler.com) and in Russia (https://www.wincmd.ru). Former Windows Commander. Has a huge number of assemblies. The most convenient and, in my opinion, popular ones are made by Sam (https://www.samlab.ws).

Supports plug-ins: view - from graphic formats to MS Office and even pages on the Internet; informational - file properties, size, compiler, mp3 tags, etc.; archiving - opens in the program panel archives of various formats from open zip and 7z to rar and iso with nrg; file system - in the program panel you can open connected phones, PDAs, the registry and much more.

It has fully editable menus and toolbars, where you can connect the launch of third-party programs.

In my opinion, it has only one minus - this window hovers at startup.

Far-manager (https://www.farmanager.com) is almost as popular as TC. It supports plugins, and there is a mechanism for downloading them from the manufacturer's website (in my opinion, this is also a plugin :)). At the same time, it imitates the DOS interface, as in Norton Commander, etc.

An interesting fact is that his brother Alexander Roshal invented it, thanks to which WinRar appeared in our lives, Evgeny Roshal. Moreover, unlike his mercantile brother, Eugene made his program free for residents of the former USSR for non-commercial use. The registration method is described in the License.xUSSR.txt file in the program folder.

With all the charms of the DOS-interface, there are no toolbars, you still need to get to the menu, the absence of skins and similar excesses. Oriented for keyboard control - it is problematic to get to the desired function with the mouse.

https://www..php , or from the developer's site: http://freecommander.com/) differs in that it is intended not to be a clone of the TS, but to become a replacement for Windows Explorer.

An excerpt from the help will tell you better than me: "... an intuitive and flexible alternative to the standard Windows Explorer file browser.

The "two panes" method is the one you probably already know from the classic "Norton Commander", but this similarity is not the main one.

Unlike well-known clones, Norton tries to combine "two panels" with all known standards native to Windows. All Windows keyboard shortcuts used in everyday work are supported to the extent possible."

Thus, we get a two-window Windows Explorer with additional add-ons, convenient and accessible buttons for quick access to main functions and disks. Multilingual, has a Russian reference.

Probably the most unusual of the commanders. It immediately looks like a TC assembly and at the same time it is not. Stuffed with all sorts of utilities in the standard package - here you have calculators - simple and formulaic - and a task timer and an mp3 tag editor and much more.

It also has its own features - when viewing "About" it tries to control the mouse, and if you start clicking past the active window, it directs the mouse to the button, they say, press OK, and then click :). It is hosted on narod.ru (http://viewfd.narod.ru), but, in principle, this is not surprising for a free program. It works quickly, supports the main keys of the TC, while there is something in it from Windows Explorer.

This manager (can be downloaded from here: https://www..php) is positioned precisely as a replacement for the vehicle, which, through the efforts of mercantile uncles, annoys us with its window at startup. The project is quite young, but already has many awards. The author adequately responds to criticism. He is on the forum almost every day, responding to signals. In short, work on the program.

The program is multilingual, there is no help yet. Supports plugins from TS, except for FS-plugins so far. At the same time, it is by no means a clone of the totel.

There are also some chips. For example, a local update server - the program can be updated from a folder on the network, which is very convenient when using it in large enterprises - you don’t have to run to install it after the updates are released, and the same file is not downloaded by several dozen users.

In general, for those who are used to TC - a must have.

conclusions

So, as we can see, there are a lot of free file managers that are not inferior in functionality, but somewhere superior, there are a lot of paid popular programs. In our article, only the most popular ones are considered. And yet, because we love Total Commander so much...

Therefore, your obedient servant, the author of the article, has been using Unreal Commander for more than a year. And, you know, now I miss many of its functions in those rare moments when I have to use other programs, including Total.

However, due to the registration key tied to the computer, without which some UnCom functions are not available, I have FreeCommander installed on the flash drive.

P.S. It is allowed to freely copy and quote this article, provided that an open active link to the source is indicated and the authorship of Ilya Zhulin is preserved.