ExplorerXP: An Alternative to the Windows File Explorer

Windows File Explorer has a love-hate relationship with its users. For some, it's more than enough, and then there are those who can't even make two clicks in a row. Personally, I belong to the second group (moving from one Norton Commander clone to the next), but if you're willing to explore other options, you might want to download a copy of ExplorerXP, which offers a traditional look combined with a very useful tab system.

They say that file management is simply a matter of organization, but over the years we've seen that the user also needs to feel comfortable with the tools they use. I can say that I belong to the "old guard" of computing, and I already have some muscle memory when using the derivatives of the classic Norton Commander, however, there is life beyond that format. That brings us to the latest version of ExplorerXP.

How to better manage your files with ExplorerXP

As its name suggests, ExplorerXP is inspired by the old Windows XP interfaces, but at the same time expands the functionality of the conventional explorer. First, the Ctrl+N combination allows us to open new tabs and view all our drives and folders easily. Each tab can occupy the entire screen, or alternatively, turn them into windows and view them horizontally, vertically, or in cascade.

The top navigation bar has many well-known and intuitive functions. We can go forward, back, up one folder, copy and/or move content, locate duplicate files, access the desktop, explore the recycle bin, and more. The Clean (delete temporary files) function only works with HTML and C++ files, but nothing prevents you from configuring your own filters.

In the configuration section, ExplorerXP asks us how we want it to behave at startup. The program can load a clean environment, open "This PC", the last used folders, or those we have configured as default. There are also grid options (vertical and horizontal lines), the display of hidden files and folders, and whether to show icons of executable files (it recommends disabling this option for better performance).

In the Folder Sizes tab we specify the automatic real-time calculation of the size of files and folders (it is possible to disable it), Keyboard contains all the keyboard shortcuts, and Tabs controls the length of names. Back to the interface, there is one more major function to highlight, and that is groups. If you want to keep a group of drives and/or folders to access them more quickly and comfortably, go to the Groups menu, click on the Save Open Folders as Group option, and assign a name. That's it.

The latest update of ExplorerXP (version 1.10) is from last October, and on its official page you will also find a special section with all the keyboard shortcuts. Now, if you plan to use ExplorerXP on Windows XP or earlier, the developer recommends downloading the previous build 1.07a. Don't hesitate to try it! If the Windows explorer doesn't quite close and "Commander clones" aren't your thing, maybe this is what you were looking for.

Official site and download: Click here