dual-pane view Archives

Winsage

May 25, 2025

6 reasons OneCommander is my favorite free file manager for Windows, and it’s not even close

OneCommander is an alternative file management solution for Windows 11, featuring a modern and customizable user interface with various themes. It offers a dual-pane view for side-by-side folder management, tab management for quick access to multiple locations, and a sidebar for pinned locations and recent history. The application provides swift navigation, allowing folders to open instantly, and includes advanced file preview capabilities for various file types without needing to open them separately. OneCommander simplifies file creation with templates and includes a note-taking feature for organization. Its File Automator toolkit allows for bulk renaming of files using presets or custom RegEx rules.

Winsage

April 18, 2025

XYplorer is the best dual-pane file manager that I’ve used on Windows

XYplorer is a dual-pane file manager that enhances productivity with its intuitive interface and robust features, allowing simultaneous access to two folders for easier file management. It offers customization options, advanced search capabilities, file previews, batch renaming, and scripting automation. XYplorer is lightweight, providing faster performance and quicker search results compared to Windows File Explorer. It also has a portable version that can run from a flash drive without installation. XYplorer operates as trialware for 30 days, after which users can purchase a license.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

7 things your file manager should be able to do that File Explorer and Finder can’t

Extensive exploration of file managers for Windows and macOS reveals significant shortcomings in the native solutions provided by Microsoft and Apple. Users are missing features that could enhance file management, including: - A recent folders list that updates in real-time, unlike Windows File Explorer, which updates slowly. - Quick file previews, with Finder allowing previews of nearly any file type, while File Explorer's Preview pane is limited. - A built-in duplicate finder, which neither File Explorer nor Finder currently offers. - More user-friendly bulk file renaming in Finder compared to the cumbersome process in File Explorer. - Customizable toolbars in alternative file managers, improving accessibility and workflow efficiency. - A quick jump bar for swift navigation, which is more immediate in applications like File Pilot than in File Explorer. - A dual-pane view for easier file transfers and comparisons, absent in both Windows and macOS. These features highlight the potential for improved file management solutions beyond the built-in tools.

Winsage

December 2, 2024

The Windows File Explorer isn’t good enough — 5 file managers for power users

The native File Explorer in Windows 11 is perceived by users as lacking in speed and functionality, prompting interest in alternative file management applications. Notable alternatives include: - Files app: Features a modern design with Mica and Acrylic materials, dual-pane view for file transfers, and a compact overlay mode. - Total Commander: Offers a dual-pane view by default, customizable interface, FTP support, and file compression capabilities. - FreeCommander XE: Combines a dual-pane interface with enhanced readability, customizable menus, and additional tools for screenshots and file compression. - OneCommander: Balances modern design with functionality, featuring a dual-pane view, preview pane, color-coded file labels, and batch processing capabilities. - Directory Opus: Highly regarded for its efficiency, dual-pane layout, navigation tree, and extensive features including image conversion and customizable themes. These applications can potentially replace File Explorer and serve as default file managers, enhancing user productivity and file management experiences.

Winsage

June 27, 2024

4 reasons Microsoft should let you change the default file explorer in Windows

There are many third-party File Explorer alternatives available that offer features and improvements not found in the built-in Windows File Explorer. Users want the ability to change their default file manager to have a more customizable and efficient workflow. Microsoft should consider allowing users to easily change their default file manager to meet their needs.