Are you looking for an alternative to Windows File Explorer for better file management using a dual-pane view? I was also looking for a better management solution since File Explorer is still clunky when you have many files to work with. Luckily, I discovered XYplorer, a file manager that helps my workflow. Sure, the Tabs feature added to Windows 11 is pretty cool. However, you must still click between them to view and access files.
This app is better because it provides more efficient file management, which improves my productivity. It is a dual-pane file manager with tabs and many customization options to get the right view for your files. If you want a better experience managing your files on Windows, XYplorer is worth checking out. If you have outgrown File Explorer, you may have looked at alternatives like File Pilot or other dual-pane file managers like FreeCommander, but XYplorer could win you over.
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Managing files with XYplorer
A new way to manage files and folders efficiently
XYplorer provides a more efficient way to view and manage your files and folders than File Explorer on Windows 11. Sure, the Tabs feature is helpful, but this takes it to the next level. It allows you to view files from a dual-pane interface and view, move, and search your files by providing a better interface.
I was immediately pleased with its familiar Explorer-like layout, which includes a main window, a toolbar for options, a sidebar, and file-tree views in the left panel. Once you enable the dual-pane, you can view the contents of two folders simultaneously. What’s cooler is that you can easily move files from one folder to another using the dual-pane view. To access the dual-pane view, just click Panes -> Dual Pane or press F10 if you work from the keyboard.
It doesn’t take over File Explorer. Instead, it is a supplemental app to view and move your files and folders. So, for instance, your downloads go to your default folder, and you can view them from this file-management app. Like File Explorer, you can right-click and choose different options from the context menu or manage the view from the toolbar.
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Lots of Features
Far more than File Explorer
XYplorer has many customization options, making it even more efficient than out-of-the-box. Head to Tools -> Configuration, and a window will appear showing a plethora of options you can tweak to make it work best for your workflow. It allows you to customize colors, layouts, tabs, menus, file trees, and more. Once I delved into the available settings, I realized how powerful this File Explorer alternative is.
Other features include advanced search, file previews, batch renaming, portability, scripting automation, and more. In fact, there are so many features that I haven’t been able to explore them all since it works so well with minimal setup. However, I will definitely make it as efficient as possible. After tweaking a handful of settings, I’m already impressed with how it helps with my workflow.
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Lightweight and fast
It uses minimal system resources and is more responsive than File Explorer
Another thing to point out is this file manager’s speed. It’s light on system resources, and searching for files and folders is a lot faster. I ran a test on my Windows 10 system with tons of files. I searched for the same file buried deep in my local drive. This side-by-side test showed me that XYplorer found it quicker than File Explorer search.
However, this is anecdotal since the Windows 10 PC is packed with files on a large SSD, but File Explorer runs slowly. I ran it on my Windows 11 system, and I found it to be light and responsive. There are fewer files on that machine, and I recently did a clean installation. Still, overall, its speed is impressive on both computers. Light apps running on your Windows system are always good for performance. I have no problem opening it when needed and letting it run. The portable version is equally light on resources.
In addition, if you are an advanced user who likes the command line, it supports scripting, so you can run custom scripts. This functionality helps with comparing and finding duplicate files and folders. Scripts allow you to manage your files faster for improved productivity.
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XYplorer is portable
Bring the powerful file manager with you while on the go
This powerful (and highly customizable) file management app is portable to make things even better. I found this especially helpful while working on my older systems. Like most portable apps, it doesn’t require installation. Run the portable version of apps from your flash drive on any Windows system (XP or higher) and manage files. It stores the data in the app’s folder on your drive and doesn’t mess with the registry or any other system settings.
However, it’s important to note that the desktop and portable versions of XYplorer are trialware. You can use it with full functionality for 30 days. After that, you need to purchase a license. I was okay with that since after using it, I went ahead and purchased it. Try it out for a month and see if you also want to buy it and add it to your tech arsenal. There are several license plans starting at $15.
XYplorer is a fast and powerful alternative to File Explorer
I was looking for a fix to my File Explorer woes on my older Windows 10 system and found XYplorer. It’s so good, I also put it on my Windows 11 laptop. If you are in a similar situation, looking for a way to manage files easily on Windows or wherever you go, check it out. It is fast, full of customizations, and includes advanced search functionality and scripting. If you use file copy apps like TeraCopy, it is a seamless experience. The number of features and customizations is too numerous to explain. Try it for yourself and experience its file management power.
