file manager Archives

Winsage

January 7, 2026

3 Free Windows File Managers That Beat File Explorer

Recent evaluations of three free alternative file managers—OneCommander, Files, and FileVoyager—show that they outperform Windows File Explorer in efficiency and usability, particularly for tasks like bulk renaming and data transfer. While File Explorer has improved with features like tabs and cloud integration, it still falls short for power tasks, requiring excessive clicks and context switching. OneCommander offers a familiar interface with dual-pane layouts, tabs, and interactive navigation, excelling in seamless navigation and file operations. It maintained stable connections during large data transfers. Files is a modern, open-source option with strong cloud support and effective media handling, benefiting from community-driven updates. FileVoyager provides extensive control with dual panes and customization options, appealing to power users who prefer keyboard-driven control. All three alternatives demonstrate improved interaction efficiency and stability during complex tasks compared to File Explorer, making them viable replacements for users managing extensive media libraries or engaging in heavy bulk processes.

Winsage

January 6, 2026

These 3 Windows file managers made me ditch File Explorer

The text discusses three free file managers that enhance file management capabilities for Windows users: 1. Total Commander: - Dual windows with drag-and-drop support - Side panels for navigation - Built-in tools for batch renaming and archiving - FTP client integration - Favorites for quick access - Comprehensive file operations (copy, move, delete, rename) - File comparison with a built-in text editor - Folder synchronization - Encoding and decoding options - Full-text and duplicate file search - Customizable layout and toolbar - Background downloading support - Secure FTP over SSL/TLS 2. OneCommander: - Custom rendering and DirectX support - Session-saving tabs - Dual-pane view - Choice between Miller-Columns navigation and standard layout - Dark and light themes - User-editable icons - Built-in file preview capabilities - Support for long Unicode paths - Organized favorites into project groups - Quick filtering options - Adaptive view and dynamic columns - File Automator for advanced renaming and conversion 3. FileVoyager: - Dual-pane interface - Multiple browsing modes (report and thumbnail) - Comprehensive file operations - Support for numerous compression formats - Multimedia playback for audio and video - Folder synchronization and file comparison tools - Quick preview for any file format - Support for viewing ebooks and comic book files - Syntax highlighting for source code - Display files in flat or hexadecimal format All three file managers are available for free, with OneCommander offering a Pro version for additional features.

AppWizard

December 30, 2025

Essential Apps to Install First on Your New Android Phone

Google's Find My Device app is essential for Android phone users, providing security features such as locating a misplaced phone, playing a sound, and remotely locking or erasing data. The app's integration with Android has improved tracking accuracy and introduced features like offline finding and compatibility with Bluetooth trackers. Other recommended apps for a well-rounded Android setup include Bitwarden for password management, Solid Explorer for file management, Google Keep for note-taking, and Signal for secure messaging. Productivity apps like Microsoft’s SwiftKey keyboard and Todoist for task management are also highlighted. Customization options include Nova Launcher, while performance optimization can be achieved with Greenify. Privacy-focused tools include DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser and Authy for two-factor authentication. Emerging trends suggest increased AI integration in apps and innovations for foldable devices. Regular maintenance apps like CCleaner and update managers are recommended for long-term device health.

Winsage

December 28, 2025

Microsoft tests File Explorer search optimisation to reduce RAM usage in Windows 11

Microsoft is enhancing the Windows 11 File Explorer to reduce its memory usage, currently being tested in Windows 11 Build 26220.7523 and above for Insider preview participants. The updates aim to optimize search functionality by eliminating duplicate file indexing operations, which have historically caused high RAM and CPU consumption. Additionally, Microsoft is refining the File Explorer interface by relocating less frequently used options in the right-click context menu into a dedicated sub-menu, labeled either “Manage file” or “Other actions.” A broader rollout of these updates is expected around late January or February.

Winsage

December 25, 2025

10 free Windows apps that improved my productivity (and I’d easily pay money for)

Open-source software provides flexibility and control for users. Notable applications for Windows include: 1. LibreOffice: A free office suite with tools similar to MS Office, offering a modern or classic interface and local data privacy. 2. Flow Launcher: A rapid file search and app launcher that is customizable and visually appealing, available for free. 3. Duplicati: A backup solution that allows data backup to various destinations, including cloud services, with features like scheduling and remote management, free for personal use. 4. Nextcloud: An open-source cloud service for file storage and collaboration, installable on Windows at no cost. 5. Franz: An application that consolidates multiple messaging services into one interface, free to install and use. 6. YAZB: A customizable top bar for Windows that displays system information and provides quick access to controls, enhancing desktop aesthetics and functionality. 7. File Converter: A tool for converting and compressing files directly from the Windows file manager, free to use. 8. Bitwarden: An open-source password manager with essential features, free to use with a premium option for advanced features. 9. AutoHotKey: A tool for automating tasks through scripting, available for free installation. 10. Ollama: An open-source AI solution with a user-friendly interface, free to install and use on Windows.

Winsage

December 14, 2025

Use Windows 3.1 Straight From Your Browser To Boot Up Pure Nostalgia

Jeff Parsons has created a fully functional emulation of Windows 3.1 accessible through modern web browsers, allowing users to explore the iconic Program Manager interface and various retro applications like File Manager, Paintbrush, and Media Player. The emulator operates seamlessly using JavaScript, requiring no installation, and offers both full-screen and windowed views with nostalgic elements like a floppy-disk dropdown. It includes classic shareware, vintage Microsoft Word versions, digitized PC Magazine issues, and games such as King's Quest and The Oregon Trail. This project highlights the slower pace of computing in the early 90s and serves as a reminder of advancements in hardware over the years. Previous attempts to run vintage operating systems on actual hardware have faced limitations, contrasting with Parsons' success in running Windows 95 in a browser.

Winsage

December 6, 2025

Linux File Managers Outshine Windows Explorer in Speed and Customization

Windows File Explorer is facing criticism for its speed and features compared to Linux-style file managers like Dolphin, which offers advantages such as dual-pane views, tabbed browsing, and rapid search capabilities. Users have reported that Linux file managers can load directories with thousands of files in under a second, while Windows File Explorer may take several seconds. The growing dissatisfaction with Windows' performance and privacy policies has led to an increase in Linux adoption, with over 3% of the gaming market now using Linux. Additionally, Linux file managers provide high customization options and modularity, appealing particularly to developers. Discussions on social media platforms reflect a preference for Linux alternatives due to their superior performance and user experience.

Winsage

November 26, 2025

Microsoft preloads File Explorer to mask performance issues

Microsoft is addressing sluggish launch times for File Explorer by preloading the application in the background, rather than streamlining its code or removing features. This update is available in a Windows Insider build for the Dev and Beta Channels. The preloading feature is experimental and can be disabled by users in the Folder Options under the View tab in File Explorer. Microsoft previously open-sourced the classic Windows File Manager in 2018, which was a lightweight tool for file system activities. Over time, File Explorer has increased in size and complexity, leading to performance challenges.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

Windows 11 is going to start quietly preloading File Explorer in the background to make it faster, which is a good reminder that you should probably try a different file manager anyway

Microsoft released a Windows Insider beta update on November 21 that includes a full-screen Xbox experience for laptops and desktops and enhancements to File Explorer. The update aims to improve File Explorer launch performance by exploring preloading it in the background, with an option to disable this feature. Microsoft is also streamlining the File Explorer context menu by removing unnecessary options. Alternatives to File Explorer include the open-source solution Files, which offers features like tags for files, custom themes, a dual-pane view, and custom keyboard shortcuts, and OneCommander, which has unique functionalities such as creating text files from copied text. File Pilot is another alternative known for its lightweight performance. Users dissatisfied with File Explorer are increasingly seeking free and open-source software alternatives, with some considering a transition to Linux.

Winsage

November 24, 2025

Linux-Inspired File Managers Outpace Windows Explorer in Speed and Features

Microsoft's Windows File Explorer is facing competition from third-party file managers like Files, which is open-source and available for free from the Microsoft Store. Files offers features such as dual-pane views, tabbed browsing, and advanced tagging, making it faster and more customizable than Explorer. Benchmarks show Files loading directories up to 30% faster on average hardware. Despite recent updates to Explorer, it still lacks the innovation found in alternatives. Users are increasingly expressing dissatisfaction with Explorer's bloat, with some preferring alternatives like File Pilot. Linux-inspired managers, including Files, incorporate usability features such as breadcrumb navigation and integrated terminal access, appealing to developers and IT professionals. Open-source alternatives benefit from community oversight, enhancing security and performance. The trend towards these innovative tools may compel Microsoft to rethink Explorer. Additionally, there is a growing convergence of Windows and Linux file management, with Microsoft acknowledging Linux's strengths by integrating Linux files into Explorer. The rise of these alternatives reflects changing user expectations and demands for more customizable and efficient file management solutions.