File Explorer has long been the go-to application for file management on Windows, yet it has often been criticized for its sluggish performance and cumbersome interface. Despite various updates over the years, many users have found themselves grappling with its inefficiencies, even resorting to exploiting bugs in an attempt to enhance its speed. However, a new contender has emerged in the realm of file management: File Pilot. This innovative application has prompted some users to remove the File Explorer shortcut from their taskbars altogether.
Speed and Performance
The most striking feature of File Pilot is its remarkable speed. Unlike Windows File Explorer, which can lag significantly when navigating large directories, File Pilot opens folders almost instantaneously. During recent testing, users reported a seamless experience while browsing through hard drives and SSDs, even while utilizing the beta version, which is available at no cost.
Animations within the app are equally impressive. File Pilot employs a slider-based system that allows users to transition smoothly between various viewing modes—list view, details view, and large icons—without the jarring rigidity often associated with traditional file explorers. This small yet impactful feature contributes to an overall enhanced user experience.
Productivity Features
Beyond its speed, File Pilot is designed with productivity in mind. It incorporates tabbed browsing, a split-screen view, and an inspector mode that enables users to preview folder contents without fully opening them. The “Go To” feature stands out for its ability to search for files and folders almost instantaneously, a stark contrast to the slower search capabilities of File Explorer.
Customization Options
Customization is another area where File Pilot excels. Users have the flexibility to remap keyboard shortcuts, adjust fonts and spacing, and even change the color scheme to suit their preferences. Additionally, the option to toggle animations on or off allows for a more personalized workflow, enabling users to tailor the app to their specific needs.
While File Pilot shows great promise as a replacement for File Explorer, it is not without its limitations. Currently, it lacks support for network browsing and cannot be set as the default file manager without some registry modifications. Nevertheless, the developers are actively working on enhancements and improvements ahead of the full release, indicating a commitment to refining the user experience further.
