Microsoft PowerToys vs Files

The verdict

If you are a solo user on Windows looking for a modern file management experience with features that surpass the default File Explorer, choose Files. Its WinUI 3 interface, dual panes, and tagging capabilities make it a great choice for organizing and navigating your files efficiently. However, if you're not solely focused on file management and appreciate having multiple tools at your disposal for various tasks, then Microsoft PowerToys is the better option. It offers a suite of utilities, including a powerful launcher and customizable tiling with FancyZones, ideal for power users and those wanting an enhanced workflow.

Avoid Files if you need a cross-platform solution or advanced scripting and FTP capabilities. On the other hand, steer clear of PowerToys if you prefer a single-purpose tool, as its diverse utilities make it a bit more complex and less streamlined for specific tasks.

Side-by-side comparison of Microsoft PowerToys, Files
	Microsoft PowerToys	Files
Pricing	Free	Free
Platforms	windows	windows
Rating	No reviews	No reviews
Automation	Native	Not supported
Cloud sync	Not supported	Limited
Dark mode	Not supported	Native
Keyboard shortcuts	Native	Native
Open source	Native	Native
Tabs	Not supported	Native
Theming	Not supported	Native
Pros	Many genuinely useful utilities in one install FancyZones brings real tiling to Windows PowerToys Run is a fast keyboard launcher Free, open source, and maintained by Microsoft	Modern WinUI 3 interface with tabs and dual panes Tags and column views that File Explorer lacks Open source and actively maintained Native Windows look and feel
Cons	Windows only Grab-bag of tools rather than one focused app Some modules are more polished than others	Windows only Occasional rough edges in preview builds Fewer power-user scripting hooks than veteran managers
Ideal for	windows_power_users keyboard_driven_workflows open_source_advocates	solo_users_on_windows users_wanting_a_modern_explorer open_source_advocates
Avoid if	want_a_single_purpose_tool not_on_windows	need_cross_platform need_advanced_scripting_or_ftp

Microsoft PowerToys

Power-user utilities Windows should ship with

Visit Microsoft PowerToys

Files

A modern file manager for Windows

Visit Files

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