tabbed browsing 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

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 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.

Winsage

October 6, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 11 File Explorer still clunky? My favorite alternative just got a slick upgrade — with real‑time visual feedback on file operations

Microsoft's Windows 11 has faced challenges in attracting users due to strict hardware requirements and design elements. The company will phase out Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting user transitions to Windows 11, while some opt for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which offers an additional year of support for Windows 10 at no cost for users in the European Economic Area. The Files App has been updated to version 4.0.12, introducing a new "Discovering" phase in the Status Center for real-time notifications during file operations and relocating the 'Cancel' button for improved clarity. The update also includes fixes for various issues, such as problems with release notes in RTL languages, the home button, opening items from search results, access to network locations, and pinned folder icons. A third-party file explorer is available for .99 in the Microsoft Store, featuring tabbed browsing, a column view, file previews, and a customizable interface.

Winsage

October 5, 2025

3 Windows File Explorer add-ons that fix Microsoft’s biggest pain points

File Explorer has received updates, including tabs and refreshed icons, but still has a rigid layout and limited personalization options. Common tasks like batch renaming often require third-party solutions. PowerToys enhances File Explorer with features like PowerRename for advanced renaming and preview add-ons for various file types. OneCommander is an alternative to File Explorer that offers a dual-pane view, customizable themes, and additional organizational tools. The Files app provides a paid upgrade with themes, tabbed browsing, and color-coded tags for better file organization. Each tool addresses specific shortcomings of File Explorer, catering to different user needs.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

11 things I love (and hate) about Windows 11 after using Windows 10

The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 has prompted users to reflect on the differences between the two operating systems. Key observations from a week-long comparison include: - Windows 11 features an upgraded Windows Explorer with tabbed browsing for better file management. - The Screen Capture tool in Windows 11 allows for seamless screen recording, improving upon the previous version. - Windows 11 includes Optical Character Recognition (OCR) capabilities in the Snipping Tool, enabling easy text extraction from images. - It comes with bundled applications like Clipchamp, Copilot, and an upgraded Photos app, which enhance functionality compared to Windows 10. - Performance metrics suggest Windows 11 can be up to 2.3 times faster than Windows 10. - Windows 11 is designed to offer better security for personal information and system integrity. Negative aspects of Windows 11 include: - Increased surveillance and personalized advertising, making it harder to use without a Microsoft account. - The Start button has been relocated to a central position, which some users dislike, though customization options are available. - The right-click menu has become more cluttered, making essential options harder to find. - Microsoft is phasing out security updates for Windows 10, raising concerns for users who have not transitioned to Windows 11.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Windows 11 Notepad will soon let you generate text using on-device AI models

Microsoft has updated its Notepad application on Windows 11 to include on-device AI capabilities for generating, rewriting, and summarizing text, eliminating the need for an internet connection and a Microsoft 365 subscription. The new features utilize the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in Copilot+ PCs for local processing. Users can now access AI functionalities without being signed in or subscribed. Additionally, Notepad has received enhancements such as new formatting options, spell check, tabbed browsing, and other improvements. The updated version is currently available in preview for Windows Insiders and will be released to all users soon.

Winsage

June 13, 2025

This file manager for Windows supports workspaces, dual pane browsing, and looks fantastic

Fileside is a file management application that offers a dual-pane view and customizable workspaces for specific projects, allowing users to save personalized layout views. Upon installation, it sets up a default workspace and provides extensive customization options for directory views. Users can preview files directly within the application by pressing the spacebar, facilitating quick access to media and documents. Fileside allows users to save and switch between different workspace configurations easily, streamlining file management compared to Windows 11 File Explorer. The application includes features such as a right-side toolbar for easy access to functions, the ability to display hidden files by default, and comprehensive keyboard navigation with customizable shortcuts. It integrates with local, external, and networked drives and is available for Windows and macOS, with a free trial and a license option.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft Gives More Reasons To Use Notepad With These New Features: All Details

Microsoft has discontinued WordPad and is enhancing Notepad for Windows 11 users. The beta version introduces new features such as adding hyperlinks, modifying text formatting, subheadings, bullet points, and the ability to switch text styles. An AI integration allows users to rewrite text by selecting it and using a right-click function, currently available to Windows 11 Insider program users in specific regions. Notepad now supports tabbed browsing and includes an integration of Copilot for summarizing text, adjusting tone, and switching to dark mode.

Winsage

April 6, 2025

5 best dual-pane file managers for Windows power users

The default Windows File Explorer lacks multi-pane support, making file management cumbersome for users who frequently transfer files between folders or manage multiple drives. Dual-pane or multi-pane third-party file managers offer solutions by allowing users to view and manage multiple folders side by side within a single window. Total Commander is a veteran dual-pane file manager with built-in FTP support, fast file transfers, and comprehensive archive handling. Directory Opus is a premium file management solution with a dual-pane layout, tabbed navigation, and features like batch file operations and scripting capabilities. FreeCommander XE is a free dual-pane file manager that offers essential features such as tabbed browsing and folder synchronization. XYplorer is a portable dual-pane file manager designed for speed, featuring tabbed browsing and powerful search functions. Q-Dir, or Quad-Directory Explorer, allows for up to four panes in a single window and supports drag-and-drop functionality and color filters.