File manager for Windows 7. A guide to file managers for Windows. How it works

The file manager is a program for organizing and conveniently working with operating system files, which differs from the standard Explorer.

They can be of different types and types, many users do without such software at all, but working with a PC with it becomes faster and easier.

In this article, we will consider file managers for.

Choice

Such managers can be quite different not only in functionality, but also in the convenience of menus and navigation, management, and interface.

But their main difference is in the type of interface itself: it can be graphical, like a normal program, or text, more like a command line.

The second option is not convenient and not familiar to most users, therefore, such utilities will not be included in the TOP.

The program accesses the file system of the computer and builds lists of files by type, so that the user can select the required content much faster. However, in order for the installation of such software to be justified, it is necessary to choose the most suitable one for yourself, taking into account many technical characteristics.

Specifications

To simplify the software selection process, the main characteristics of all options listed in the TOP are presented in the table. Compare them to make a decision.

You can find more information about all the program options presented in the table below.

Total commander

This is the most popular and convenient file manager that used to be called.

Quite convenient, multifunctional and has a familiar interface.

Has a two-pane type, allows you to perform many types of file operations.

You can work with, customize file packages, use advanced search by various parameters.

There is a built-in Internet client with support for a secure connection.

• Cross-platform - there is a convenient version for Android;
• The broadest functionality with a large number of additional features;
• Availability and constant replenishment and expansion of scripts and plugins, increasing the functionality of the software.

• Not too good Russification;
• Paid distribution, but a demo version is available;
• Not always user-friendly interface.

User reviews about the software are as follows: "It's worth the money", "Excellent functionality, a lot of opportunities."

Speed ​​Commander

According to the interface, this manager is similar to the previous one - it also has a two-pane principle of operation.

You can work both in vertical and horizontal windows, which is quite convenient.

The software is multifunctional and supports. Can perform batch operations, macros, form packages itself. Can create virtual folders.

• Supports over 80 file types - almost everything on your computer;
• There is an Internet client and a text editor, and with spelling support;
• There are many plugins available;
• Supports 13 types of archives;
• Compare, sync, etc. functions

• Paid distribution (there is a free demo version);
• Inconvenient interface;

Reviews about the software are as follows: "Good functional program", "Not a very user-friendly interface, but you can get used to it."

oMega Commander

About Mega Commander- quite powerful and functional manager, only slightly inferior to the two previous options.

Additional functionality is guaranteed by constantly appearing and updated extensions and plugins.

Unlike the previous types, this program has a simple interface that can also be customized.

A ribbon interface can be used.

Main functions: transfer, formatting, renaming, opening files, smart copying and more.

• Simple interface can be customized;
• The presence of a large number of plugins, extensions, add-ons that increase the functionality;
• Safely delete files with the ability to recover.

• Few built-in capabilities - for example, no internet client;
• Ribbon interface, unusual for some users;
• Shareware distribution.

Reviews of this program are reported: "A good program, functional and simple", "Better paid analogs, since it does not have many unnecessary, interfering functions."

Unreal Commander

Unreal Commander Is a simple two-pane file manager with all the features you need. Free distribution.

In terms of interface and appearance, it is similar to Total Commander, but its functionality is slightly lower.

An interesting feature is that the software supports plugins and extensions created just for (with the exception of plugins for the file system).

Has an Internet client and a multi-format audio player, supports synchronization and work with archives.

• Free distribution;
• Plugin support;
• Convenient and simple internet.

• Narrower functionality compared to Total Commander;
• Support for just a few types of archives;
• Not always stable work.

Reviews about the program are as follows: "Total Commander was not worth its money, this option is better", "Convenient, functional, nothing more."

Free commander

Another two-panel manager, powerful enough, efficient and functional for comfortable work.

You can work in both vertical and horizontal windows.

The software supports multi-tab mode, but you can, for convenience, switch to single-pane mode.

Works with archives, compares and synchronizes folders, searches for specified parameters.

• There is a command line for text control;
• Simple and intuitive interface that can be customized;
• Can take screenshots;
• Supports permanent deletion of data.

• Narrower functionality compared to other programs of this type;
• Lack of an internet client;
• Some disadvantages of Russification.

Here is what users say about this software: "Functions are not enough", "For a free program just right", "It works stably, there are enough functions."

Double commander

Double commander Is a simple and functional manager, which has the necessary set of functions.

It is not very wide, but it is quite suitable for everyday tasks. Free distribution.

Synchronizes, renames and compares files and folders. Has a built-in multi-format player.

• Support for some plugins for Total Commander;
• Cross-platform - works on all existing platforms;
• Convenient file search function with advanced parameters.

• Lack of modules for working with archives;
• Lack of your own Internet client;
• In general, the basic functionality is not very broad.

Reviews for the program are as follows: “The lack of an archiver is disappointing, but overall it’s not bad”, “You can work with external plugins”, “Considering that the program is free, it’s okay”.

Multi Commander

Multi Commander- a program from the developer Mathias Svensson.

It is well Russified and distributed free of charge.

It has a not very wide range of functions, but it has its own Internet client, supports scripts, etc.

There is a module for working in the registry editor and ample opportunities for fine-tuning the interface for yourself.

• Free distribution;
• Work in the background;
• Built-in utilities for image processing.

• Narrow functionality;
• Not always quick start;
• Due to the unpopularity of the program, there are practically no plugins and extensions for it.

Users generally speak well of this software: "Not a bad program, there are enough functions", "Few functions, but I do not use it often."

XYplorer

I present the TOP 10 best file managers for the Windows operating system. When compiling the list, only file managers with a graphical interface were taken into account, which are convenient for most users to work with. Therefore, there are no file managers with a text interface, such as FAR Manager or Midnight Commander.

Outside the list of the best file managers were programs that have not been updated for a long time, for example, EF Commander, ViewFD, or lesser-known applications: FileVoyager, Tablacus Explorer, muCommander, One Commander, etc.

The file manager ("file commander") program is designed to work with files, disks and folders on a computer. Basically, such programs perform routine operations for copying, moving or deleting files, opening folders and files, launching applications.

The Windows operating system has a default file manager - Explorer. Many users are not satisfied with the functionality of the standard file manager, so they use other alternative file managers to work on the computer.

Most of the presented programs work only on the Windows platform, but among them there are also multi-platform applications.

One of the best, most popular alternative two-pane file manager for Windows (Android is still supported). Total Commander was previously called Windows Commander.

In Total Commander, you can perform various operations with files, the application has a custom menu and appearance, a built-in FTP client with support for a secure connection, working with archives by its own means, batch mode, advanced search with the ability to use regular expressions and many other functions.

The capabilities of Total Commander are significantly expanded with scripts and numerous plugins.

Total Commander works in Russian, the program was created by a developer from Switzerland - Christian Giesler. The program is paid, but it can work for free.

A two-pane file manager with a huge set of options for working with files. The SpeedCommander window can be split into two parts horizontally or vertically.

SpeedCommander has full Unicode support, support for multi-nesting, virtual folders, batch operations and macros. The file manager has a built-in viewer for more than 80 file types, a client for connecting via FTP, FTP-SSL, SFTP, a built-in text editor with syntax support, plug-ins are supported that extend the program's capabilities.

The program works with 13 types of archives (unpacking, packing), the application has a powerful encryption system and password protection for files. SpeedCommander can sync data in folders, compare data in folders and files, the file manager has tools for grouping and filtering, etc.

SpeedCommander is a paid program developed in Germany (SpeedProject). To support the Russian language, you must install a crack.

Powerful file manager with many useful features. The capabilities of the application are extended with plugins. OMega Commander has a friendly, fully customizable interface.

Key features of oMega Commander: ribbon interface, transfer, renaming, formatting ribbons, opening files in different programs, color grouping of tabs, pinning and saving tabs, file flags, highlighting files by type, multi-window interface, favorites list, smart copying, working with archives, as with ordinary folders, secure deletion of data without the possibility of recovery, cutting and gluing files, multifunctional search, built-in editor, free space control and much more.

oMega Commander is a paid program with Russian language support (developed by Pylonos.com LLC).

Free dual-pane file manager with extensive functionality. The program works and looks similar to Total Commander. Unreal Commander supports plugins created for Total Commander (except for file system plugins).

Unreal Commander is able to synchronize folders, batch renaming of files is supported, basic archive types are supported, built-in FTP client, advanced search panel, media player, preview of files in the form of thumbnails, quick view with built-in tools, checksums of files, built-in utilities for downloading and backup and more.

The developer of Unreal Commander is Max Diesel. The program supports the Russian language. To enable full-featured mode, you need to obtain a free license key.

The Windows store with minimalistic applications for Windows 8.1 and 10, which began operating back in 2011, over the years of development of the latest versions of the system, not only did not destroy the market for desktop Windows programs, but, on the contrary, only emphasized their relevance. Alas, even now, after 6 years of operation, the store has quite a few high-quality and useful applications in it. More or less sensible applications from the Windows Store, as a rule, are either created by Microsoft itself, or by developers of paid web services. Or, such applications are sold for money. One of the failed niches of software in the Windows Store is file managers. Many of them do not even reach the level of Windows Explorer. File managers from the Windows Store, as a rule, do not allow the launch of EXE files, do not unpack archives, and generally offer only a minimum of options for working with files. Whereas the market for desktop file managers can offer an abundance of products that are functionally oriented to different levels of users. Below is a look at the top ten desktop file managers for Windows.

1. Total Commander

Total Commander is the most famous third-party file manager, an old-timer on the market for this type of software. This is a customizable file manager with a two-pane interface and extensive functionality - with a built-in archiver, file finder, FTP client, functions for splitting / assembling files, group renaming of files, directory synchronization, with the ability to set internal file associations, with a customizable quick launch panel for programs and services Windows, with support for expanding the functionality of plug-ins, with the ability to integrate portable software, etc. Total Commander is a shareware program. It can be freely downloaded and installed on a computer, and there is no time to pay for a license in the future.

2. Q-Dir

The lightweight freeware Q-Dir is not as rich in functionality as Total Commander and its counterparts. Q-Dir is better viewed as a more user-friendly alternative to Windows Explorer with a customizable interface. The trick of this file manager is the variety of panel layout options. In the program window, you can configure as many as 4 panels with the display of computer files, choose the most appropriate version of the three-panel interface, or stop at the standard choice of a window of two panels. Q-Dir can be recommended for beginners due to its external resemblance to Windows Explorer.

3. Double Commander

Free file manager Double Commander is suitable for users of computer devices based on different operating systems. It is a cross-platform product with a Linux-style design, for which it was originally created and later ported to Windows and Mac systems. Double Commander is a two-panel file manager, analogous to Total Commander, supporting work with plugins of the latter.

4. Multi Commander

Multi Commander is a two-pane file browser. It is free, lightweight, with a customizable interface, its own archiver, FTP client, the ability to customize internal file associations, support for add-ons, plugins and other features. Multi Commander is additionally endowed with separate functions for working with images, video and audio files.

Free NexusFile is a two-pane file manager with a nice lightweight interface and three themes to choose from, its own archiver, FTP client, file shredder, and other functions.

6. Unreal Commander

Unreal Commander is a free file manager, practically a clone of Total Commander, only with a different interface design and the ability to change it by installing different skins and other icons on the quick access panel. Unlike Total Commander, Unreal Commander is also supplemented with built-in tools - a backup utility and a download manager.

7. EF Commander

Functional file manager EF Commander - like Total Commander, this is a shareware program. And like the latter, EF Commander is an old-timer in the file manager market: the program was created back in 1994 for OS / 2, and 2 years later it was ported to Windows. Among the features of the program are interface customization, a number of functions for working with files, built-in FTP-client and archiver, work with plug-ins, convenient launch of certain standard Windows functions, etc.

8. Directory Opus

Shareware Directory Opus file browser is not as functional as Total Commander and its full-fledged counterparts, but it has a friendly, flexible and customizable interface. Equipped with FTP client, archiver, file finder, duplicate file tracking function, multimedia file viewer, image converter and slideshow function.

9.oMega

Shareware file manager oMega is another program that has only a small part of the capabilities that are presented in functional products such as Total Commander. The oMega file manager is simple and usability oriented: from a number of other file managers, it has a convenient Ribbon interface - a ribbon interface with drop-down tabs-menu sections, as in Microsoft Office applications and other Microsoft products.

10. Just Manager

The free lightweight file manager Just Manager is an organization similar to Total Commander, but the very name of the program hints that it is more of a quick and dirty tool, but not a solution for long and productive work. Just Manager is equipped with an FTP client and can offer basic file operations. It doesn't even have its own archiver.

But the creator of Just Manager took care of the export-import of the program settings. While the same Total Commander, when reinstalling Windows, you need to either re-configure, or fiddle with manually transferring the ".ini" settings file.

All 10 considered file managers support the Russian-language interface.

Have a great day!

In order to obtain complete control of files and folders in Windows systems, as you know, the so-called file manager must be used (for Windows 7 or other systems - in this case, it does not matter). Many users do not like the built-in "Explorer", if only because of its somewhat limited capabilities (one can argue with that). And then the question arises about installing another similar program, which would provide users with the greatest possible toolkit. It goes without saying that today there are a lot of such programs. But let's try to focus on the most popular applications that are included in almost all known rating lists and are especially popular among users of Windows systems.

What is a file manager for Windows 7 or another version?

First, a little theoretical information. After all, what is a file manager for Windows 7 (64 bit) or any other modification? This is a program that allows you not only to view all files and directories on disks or in logical partitions, but also to manage them at the level of the simplest operations, as well as perform additional actions (for example, in the form of search, data encryption, access to FTP servers, etc. etc.).

Windows Explorer is really extremely limited in its capabilities, and its interface seems to many to be inconvenient to use, which repels most of the user audience from it. It makes little sense to dwell on it, since anyone working with Windows has seen it anyway.

Basic functionality

As for the basic tools that are present in any program of this type, it is possible to select a system for displaying and managing the contents of disks or partitions (including hidden objects) in the form of copying, moving, deleting, renaming, the ability to set search queries, quickly create copies, accessing object-related applications, applying and modifying shortcuts, and more.

But these are only basic operations that can be used in the same "Explorer". Much more interesting looks, for example, a cryptographic encryption system, breaking or bookmarking, viewing history and much more. If you delve into Explorer, you can find some functions of this type in it, but they look a little unfinished. Therefore, let's take a look at the top five applications that claim to be the best. Naturally, the rating may differ from what is published on the Internet, since the preferences of the evaluators themselves and computer users can be completely different.

for Windows 7 in Russian

It is clear that it will simply not be possible to describe all known programs, therefore, we will limit ourselves to only five applications. Among all the software of this kind, the following free file managers for Windows 7 can be distinguished separately:

• Total Commander.
• Free Commander.
• FAR Manager.
• File Navigator.
• XYplorer Free.

Many applications are similar in interface and a set of basic tools, so they will be further combined into groups according to the appropriate criteria.

Total Commander and Free Commander

These two programs can be called the undisputed leaders in almost all lists. They are the most popular and belong to two-pane managers, in which the main workspace is divided into two independent windows.

How is it convenient? The fact that, for example, when copying or moving an object in one window, you do not need to set its final location if it is set in the second.

By and large, their interface is organized in the image and likeness of the once popular Norton Commander, which was used in DOS systems. The same windows, the same function keys for quick access to basic operations. But in comparison with grandfather "Norton", their possibilities are much wider. Just remove entire tree structures of folders, cryptographic encryption, advanced copying, fast processing of archives, built-in FTP client and much more that can be useful in everyday work.

FAR Manager and File Navigator

The file manager for Windows 7 FAR and its closest brother, File Navigator, are also very similar to Norton Commander. And this applies not only to the same two panels, but also to the fill color of the main windows, which is why the interface looks exactly as it did in DOS at one time.

What is interesting about them? In principle, the functional set is very similar to what was described for the previous programs, but there are also some nuances. For example, the file manager for Windows 7 called FAR is very convenient in terms of command line support. Plug-ins for games or for working with external archivers, sorting objects with highlighting by color for certain types, or instant access to FTP look pretty good.

File Navigator is more interesting in that it allows you to create groups of files or directories for performing joint operations on them. It will become simply an indispensable assistant for all those users who are connected to each other over the network.

XYplorer Free

Before us is another program, which is a kind of hybrid of the above-described commanders and the classic "Explorer". For him, however, the crack must be installed separately.

The main actions do not differ much from other applications, but the built-in video or graphics viewer and audio listener, the built-in video downloader from the YouTube hosting, support for exporting data in CSV format, the introduction of custom commands, etc. deserve special attention.

What to choose?

And which program is the best file manager for Windows 7? Alas, it is quite difficult to answer this question, although with a high degree of probability (based on user reviews) it can be argued that the first in the list is Total Commander. Its analogs, although very similar to it, are in most cases somewhat inferior in functionality. But for lovers of multimedia, you can recommend XYplorer Free, because its tools are designed for this. However, the choice remains with the user himself, and it is absolutely thankless to impose something for his own needs, especially since it all depends on what features of the program may be required in a particular case.