Windows File Explorer has improved only slightly over the years, and it still feels limited in so many areas. Sure, Microsoft has given it a fresh coat of paint, including a tabbed interface, and a few new tricks, but at its core, it still lacks the kind of powerful features heavy users crave.
Double Commander is a free, open-source File Explorer alternative that doesn’t disappoint. It offers superior tab support, advanced search tools, and a wealth of keyboard shortcuts. Not only does it do everything Windows Explorer can, but it also adds features and flexibility that make managing files easier.
Double Commander is the file explorer Microsoft should have made
Work twice as fast with dual panes and built-in previews
Double Commander takes everything you wish File Explorer could do and packages it into a fast, reliable, and endlessly customizable tool. Its interface may not be as modern as File Explorer, but it certainly isn’t short on features.
One of the first things you’ll notice right after opening Double Commander is its two-pane layout. Instead of juggling two separate File Explorer windows and dragging them around your screen, you get both views side by side in a single interface. This simple change makes a huge difference. Moving files from one folder to another becomes as easy as dragging from left to right, and comparing directory contents no longer means flicking between windows because it’s all right there.
Then there’s the built-in file viewer, another feature that feels like it should have been standard on Windows. Double Commander lets you peek inside text files, images, audio, videos, and even archives without launching a separate program. All you have to do is select the file and press F3 to view it within the app.
Double Commander also supports plugins. So, if you want to add support for new archive formats or integrate version control tools, plugins make it possible. For example, you can gain full control over archive types like RAR, 7z, or TAR, or enhance text and code handling with additional syntax highlighting and editing features.
More tab options, keyboard shortcuts, and customization
Tabs, hotkeys, and workflows that actually make sense
If the dual-pane view is what first hooks you on Double Commander, the tabs are what make you stay. Each pane can hold multiple tabs, so you can keep several folders open at once without cluttering your desktop with extra windows. Of course, Windows File Explorer also has tabs now, but this is different. You can lock specific tabs to prevent accidentally closing them, quickly close duplicate tabs, and even save your favorite set of tabs to Favorites to open them with a single click.
Another particularly useful power feature is its support for symlinks. You can create symbolic links to files and folders as well as hard links without diving into command-line tools. And if you’re someone who loves using keyboard shortcuts, there’s even more reason to love Double Commander.
It’s packed with hotkeys that let you fly through tasks at lightning speed. Press F4 to activate the “Edit” function and edit code directly in the program with syntax highlighting. Ctrl + F1, Ctrl + F2, and Ctrl + F3 switch between different view types without touching the mouse. Ctrl + M opens the powerful multi-renaming tool, which lets you batch-rename dozens of files in seconds. F5 copies files, F6 moves files, F7 creates a new directory, and so on. You can check a complete list of keyboard shortcuts on the GitHub page.
Double Commander gives you control over nearly everything. You can redesign toolbars, change color schemes, tweak fonts, and assign your own custom hotkeys to actions. If you want your file manager to match your workflow rather than the other way around, Double Commander is perfect.
Paying for a file explorer app isn’t for everyone
Why buy when you can have it for free
There’s no shortage of paid File Explorer alternatives on the market promising speed, extra features, or a sleek interface. For instance, Total Commander is a popular choice, but it costs $44. File Pilot is another fast, feature-packed option, which costs $200—more than a Windows license itself.
If there’s one thing Double Commander proves, it’s that great software doesn’t have to come with a price tag. For casual users, Double Commander provides everything Windows Explorer does and more. For power users, it can replace paid tools with faster navigation, better file management, and incredible customization options. You get all the productivity boosts without opening your wallet. That freedom alone is reason enough to give it a try.
With its dual-pane layout, tabbed interface, built-in file viewer, and endless customization options, Double Commander already outperforms Windows File Explorer in ways you didn’t know you were missing. Add plugins, keyboard shortcuts, and advanced features like symlink creation, and it becomes a true productivity powerhouse. Having used it for a few weeks now, I certainly don’t see myself going back to File Explorer anytime soon.
