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17 Windows Explorer Extensions & Replacements

17 Windows Explorer Extensions & Replacements
By
Extend Explorer

Windows Explorer is the fundamental file and folder management and navigation system for the Windows GUI, and has evolved over the many iterations of the Windows operating system. While many users are fine with Explorer's performance features (others would say design quirks), there are always power users trying to get more out of their interface. As a result, there are a lot of custom extensions, toolbars, and other add-ons to Windows Explorer, as well as entire programs such as Total Commander or Xplorer2 that aim to be total replacements of Windows' built in file and folder manager. Here are a few of our favorite picks for Windows Explorer extensions, as well as a few Explorer replacements worth taking a look at.

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  • 0
    RazorBurn , March 13, 2013 9:52 AM
    Total Commander is still the best one for me..
  • 1
    Mike-TH , March 14, 2013 1:00 PM
    Another slide show presentation...

    Please stop doing this - a simple scrollable page is far easier to read than this.
  • 4
    Cryio , March 14, 2013 1:48 PM
    While TeraCopy is a good program, I still think the default Windows 8 file copying is still prettier and faster than that with TeraCopy.
  • 0
    amigafan , March 14, 2013 2:01 PM
    Why no XYplorer & Directory Opus?
  • 0
    ibemerson , March 14, 2013 3:32 PM
    Well FolderView sounded good. So I checked it out. System requirements:
    Internet Explorer 5 for Windows 98 and 95
    Desktop Update for Windows 95

    Apparently this thing hasn't been updated in over 10 years.
    I'm guessing my 64 bit OS would crash and burn with this?
  • 0
    Pherule , March 14, 2013 4:38 PM
    CryioWhile TeraCopy is a good program, I still think the default Windows 8 file copying is still prettier and faster than that with TeraCopy.

    You do realize that TeraCopy fragments files, right? You should use KillCopy instead.
  • 0
    lkeller100 , March 14, 2013 7:50 PM
    Directory Opus is by far one of the most powerful file tools for any system. Easy to use and configure with all the options and power you could want for a very reasonable price. check out GP Software, the developers of Directory Opus.
  • 0
    lohmeyer , March 14, 2013 8:56 PM
    xplorer2 also has tabbed browsing and many other features beyond what I saw in many other Explorer replacements. Also, you can configure xplorer2 to work the way you want to work by enabling or disabling features or modes. It can do side by side or top/bottom windows like in Total Commander, or you can just set it up as a single window tabbed browser, or even side by side tabbed browsers. The unfortunate side, like most Explorer replacements, is there is somewhat of a learning curve to gain full advantage of it's features.

    Classic Shell should have been included. Classic Shell offers customizable buttons at the top of the Explorer window and even allows making your own buttons and functions. For example, I added a DOS command prompt icon that runs DOS in the folder I am currently viewing in Explorer. Most important to me, it added the UP button next to the BACK and FORWARD buttons that were removed in Windows Vista/7. Classic Shell also offers a customizable Start Menu to bring back the XP like Start menu, or an XP/Win7 hybrid - of course all customizable.
  • 1
    DaveAps , March 15, 2013 1:18 AM
    Ummm... I can't beleive that you have not listed Directory Opus from http://www.gpsoft.com.au/

    It should be first on the list.

    I think you just recycled this article from last year without re-researching it.
  • 0
    pjjdp , March 15, 2013 8:56 AM
    Brings back memories of Norton Commander. Use it extensively in the nineties.
  • 0
    Pailin , March 15, 2013 10:21 PM
    Personally, Please KEEP this format, I find it suits these style of articles quite well :) 

    Nice to have a little variety around the net, cheers!
  • 0
    exitstageleft , March 29, 2013 3:24 PM
    the slides are really not a good idea. imho.
  • 0
    storageman , March 31, 2013 9:37 AM
    1. Please stop SLIDE shows, or at least provide a "view as single page option"
    Slide shows are a terrible waste of time and resources.
    2. Interesting to note the missing Powerdesk that has been around for ever!
    Sure it costs money but in my opinion is better than all. And I have them all.
    Always looking for a better way...

    3. for folder copying nothing better than Second Copy (secondcopy.com)
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