Files
A modern file manager for Windows
- No reviews yetCategory: System & Productivity UtilitiesUpdated May 2026
Files is an open-source file manager built with WinUI 3 that brings tabs, dual panes, column layouts, tags, and cloud-drive integration to Windows. It looks and feels native while fixing the long-standing limitations of File Explorer.
Highlights
- 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
Files hits the sweet spot for Windows users frustrated by Explorer but unwilling to pay for Directory Opus or learn TotalCommander. It is modern, free, and open source. If you need heavy scripting, FTP, or cross-platform parity it is the wrong tool — but for a better day-to-day Explorer, it is the strongest indie option.
When to use it
- solo_users_on_windows
- users_wanting_a_modern_explorer
- open_source_advocates
Avoid if
- need_cross_platform
- need_advanced_scripting_or_ftp
Free
Free and open source. A paid "Preview" edition on the Microsoft Store (~$8.99) funds development and ships early features.
- ThemingNative
- Dark modeNative
- TabsNative
- Keyboard shortcutsNative
- Open sourceNative
- Cloud syncIntegration
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