WinDirStat vs Files

The verdict

If you’re a solo user on Windows who desires a modern file management experience, choose Files. Its contemporary WinUI 3 interface, dual panes, and tagging capabilities make it superior to the default File Explorer. However, it lacks cross-platform support and advanced scripting features, so if those are crucial for you, consider alternatives.

For users focused on reclaiming disk space, WinDirStat is your best bet. Its treemap visualization allows you to easily identify large files taking up space, and it's lightweight and completely free. However, its dated interface and slower initial scans on extensive drives might be off-putting if you prioritize a polished look and faster performance. If you want a straightforward tool to manage disk space efficiently, go with WinDirStat.

Side-by-side comparison of WinDirStat, Files
	WinDirStat	Files
Pricing	Free	Free
Platforms	windows	windows
Rating	No reviews	No reviews
Cloud sync	Not supported	Limited
Dark mode	Not supported	Native
Keyboard shortcuts	Not supported	Native
Offline support	Native	Not supported
Open source	Native	Native
Tabs	Not supported	Native
Theming	Not supported	Native
Pros	Treemap makes large files instantly visible Completely free and open source Lightweight, no account or telemetry Delete straight from the results	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	Dated interface Initial scan is slow on very large drives Windows only	Windows only Occasional rough edges in preview builds Fewer power-user scripting hooks than veteran managers
Ideal for	windows_users_reclaiming_space open_source_advocates	solo_users_on_windows users_wanting_a_modern_explorer open_source_advocates
Avoid if	want_a_modern_polished_ui need_cross_platform	need_cross_platform need_advanced_scripting_or_ftp

WinDirStat

See what's eating your disk space

Visit WinDirStat

Files

A modern file manager for Windows

Visit Files

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