IIn one of our earlier blogs, we explored File Pilot, a blazing-fast file search and explorer alternative that shines when working with network drives and mapped shares. If you missed that guide, you can check it out here: 👉 ⚡Superspeed File Search Through Network Shares with File Pilot – The Speedy File Explorer Alternative.
Now, it’s worth noting that File Pilot is still in beta. When it eventually moves into a stable release and becomes fully adaptable, it could come with a price tag anywhere between $50 and $200. That makes sense for its enterprise-grade speed and capabilities, but not everyone will want to invest in a paid tool just to replace Windows Explorer.
👉 But if you’re looking for a completely free and open-source alternative, with plenty of powerful features and modern design, then “Files” is one of the best options you can try today.
🖥️ Introduction to Files
Files is a free and open-source program designed as a replacement for Windows File Explorer. At first glance, it looks and behaves almost exactly like the Explorer you’ve been using for years, so there’s no steep learning curve. But once you start using it, you realize that Files packs in features Windows File Explorer still doesn’t have natively, such as:
- Dual pane support
- Tabs (before Windows even added them)
- Tagging system for files and folders
- Full customization with themes, colors, and even wallpapers
- Keyboard shortcut remapping
And because it’s open-source, it keeps evolving with community feedback. The latest version 4 brings even more improvements and refinements, making it a serious contender for your default file manager.
You can download Files directly from its official website or install it via the Microsoft Store.
1. Why Use Files Instead of Windows Explorer?
Let’s be clear: Windows File Explorer isn’t bad. It has improved over the years, and Microsoft has added features like tabs recently. But compared to third-party options, it’s still behind in areas like customization, multitasking, and advanced file organization.
Files bridges this gap beautifully. It gives you:
- The familiarity of Windows Explorer.
- The modern design and customization users expect in 2025.
- Productivity tools like dual pane navigation and tagging, which save time and effort.
Think of it as Explorer, but smarter, friendlier, and more flexible.
2. Familiar Look and Feel With Modern Enhancements
When you first install Files, you’ll feel right at home. The layout mimics Explorer, so there’s no need to “learn a whole new tool.”
But then you notice:
- Tabs at the top make it easier to switch between directories (Files had this before Microsoft introduced tabs in Explorer).
- Cleaner, modern UI elements with smoother transitions.
- More responsive behavior when working with multiple windows.
💡 Real-world example: Suppose you’re copying reference documents, images, and media files into a project folder. Instead of juggling five separate Explorer windows, you can open them all as tabs in one Files window.
3. Customization: Colors, Themes, and Wallpapers
One of Files’ biggest strengths is how customizable it is. Explorer, even in Windows 11, offers minimal personalization beyond dark mode. Files takes it several steps further.
You can:
- Change theme colors (pick subtle or bold tones).
- Adjust intensity for softer or brighter visuals.
- Apply custom wallpapers inside the file manager.
- Control opacity levels of wallpapers for just the right look.
For example, if you’re using a nature wallpaper on your desktop, you can sync the same wallpaper inside Files for a seamless look.
⚠️ Of course, while bright neon colors are fun, they can reduce readability. Stick to softer tones or wallpapers with controlled opacity for the best experience.
4. Dual Pane for Effortless File Transfers
This feature alone makes Files worth trying.
With dual pane enabled, you can open two folders side by side within the same window.
How it works:
- Right-click any folder or drive.
- Select “Open in New Pane.”
- A second pane opens next to your current one.
- Drag-and-drop between the two without switching windows.
💡 Why this matters: If you’ve ever transferred hundreds of images from one drive to another, you know the pain of constantly Alt-Tabbing or resizing windows. Dual pane eliminates that — making it as simple as drag, drop, and done.
5. Tagging: Organize Files Beyond Folders
Windows Explorer forces you to organize files strictly into folders. Files introduces a tagging system, which means you can categorize files across different folders and access them quickly.
How tagging works:
- Right-click a file or folder → Edit Tag.
- Choose from built-in categories like Home, Work, Photos, Important.
- Or create your own tags (e.g., “Gaming,” “Invoices,” “Projects”).
- Assign colors to tags for quick identification.
Now, in the Tags section, you can see all items grouped by their tags — regardless of where they’re stored on your drive.
💡 Example: Imagine you’re a student working on three different assignments stored in different subject folders. By tagging them all “Final Project,” you can view them together in one place without moving them physically.
6. Keyboard Shortcuts and Productivity Features
For power users, Files shines even more. Every single keyboard shortcut can be customized.
Want Ctrl + Alt + G to always open your Gaming folder? You can set that. Prefer Ctrl + Shift + T for quickly opening a new tab? No problem.
This level of flexibility makes Files not just a replacement, but a productivity booster.
And yes, Files also supports quick preview, sorting, filtering, and search functions — all of which feel snappier than Explorer.
7. Setting Files as Your Default File Manager
Once you’re comfortable with Files, you may want it to replace Explorer entirely.
- Files allows you to set itself as the default file manager.
- But here’s a good tip: test it thoroughly first. Make sure all your workflows (copying, searching, tagging) run smoothly before committing.
Since Files is open-source, it doesn’t force itself on you. You have full control.
8. Open-Source Advantage and Continuous Updates
Unlike closed software, open-source tools benefit from a passionate community of developers and users. Files is no exception.
- Bugs are quickly reported and fixed.
- Features are added based on real user needs.
- Version 4 brought significant upgrades, proving that development is active.
💡 This also means transparency. You can see how it works under the hood and even contribute if you’re a developer.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Files really free?
Yes. Files is 100% free and open-source. You can download it from files.community or Microsoft Store.
Q2. Does Files replace Windows Explorer permanently?
Only if you set it as default. Otherwise, you can use it alongside Explorer.
Q3. Can I use tags across external drives?
Yes. Tags are metadata stored within Files, so you can tag items regardless of location.
Q4. Will dual pane slow down performance?
Not at all. It’s lightweight and works smoothly even on modest systems.
Q5. How does it compare to File Pilot?
- File Pilot is focused on speed and network performance.
- Files balances familiarity + customization + organization tools.
Both are excellent — it depends on what you need most.
10. Final Thoughts
Windows File Explorer has been a core part of our daily computer usage for decades. But it hasn’t kept up with the evolving demands of power users.
Files solves this by offering:
- A familiar interface.
- Modern customization (themes, wallpapers).
- Productivity features like dual pane and tagging.
- Open-source transparency and active development.
If you’ve ever wished Explorer could do “just a little more,” Files is the answer. And since it’s free, there’s no reason not to try it.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Files is an open-source project; while generally safe, always download software from the official website or Microsoft Store to avoid tampered versions.
Tags
Files App, Windows File Explorer Alternative, Open Source Software, Dual Pane File Manager, File Tagging, Productivity Tools, Windows Customization, Explorer Replacement
Hashtags
#Windows11 #FileExplorer #FilesApp #OpenSource #ProductivityTools #WindowsCustomization #FileManagement
