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XYplorer Free 17.40.0100
Editor's Choice

Open multiple folders in a single window using this tabbed-based Windows Explorer replacement.

Rating:
Operating Systems:
Windows 10, Windows 7 (32 bit), Windows 7 (64 bit), Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP
License:
Freeware
Developer:
Donald Lessau
Software Cost:
Free
Category
System & Desktop Tools
Date Updated:
28 November 2016
Downloads To Date:
3991
Languages:
English
Download Size:
3.40 MB

Anyone who's needed access to more than one folder knows how annoying it is opening multiple folder windows all over your desktop. Despite the myriad of changes to its flagship operating system, Microsoft has never strayed from its one window, one file path approach to Windows Explorer, which is why a rich vein of Explorer-replacement tools have cropped up.

These traditionally fall into one of two categories: the first is a single multi-paned window allowing you to access two or more different folders or drives at the same time. More recently, inspired by the success of multi-tabbed web browsers, tools have cropped up offering to split multiple windows over a series of tabs, letting you quickly switch between them.

XYplorer Free goes even further, revealing a dual-paned window (with file tree to the left) with both panes supporting multiple tabs. Suddenly copying or moving files between far-flung locations becomes a whole lot simpler, and thanks to the fact XYplorer remembers your previous settings, you can set up tabs to your most oft-accessed folders for one-click access.

The program goes further too, incorporating functionality such as breadcrumbs, thumbnails, visible sort headers and more – some of these features have made their way into the improved File Explorer found in Windows 8.1, but not all. One handy new feature even allows you to colour-code your tabs for even easier identification.

Other useful tools include a batch rename function (with preview), the ability to calculate folder sizes, a Panes menu that makes it easy to transfer files from one pane to the other, directory print option, duplicate file finder, customisable interface, info panel, quick file compare tool and more powerful search tools. The list is almost endless.

Better still, XYplorer Free doesn't automatically replace Windows Explorer – it avoids the Registry or system folders, allowing you to use it as portable application alongside Explorer. But if you decide to ditch Explorer, you can do that too via the Tools > Configuration > Shell Integration menu. Five minutes with this, and you'll wonder how you ever survived laboriously opening Explorer windows then navigating to the folder you wanted each and every time.

A paid-for version is also available with even more features, including the handy ability to queue up file operations. But for most people, the Free edition has all the time-saving functionality you need.

What's new in 17.40.0100 (see the changelog for more):

- Content Search
- Self Update

Verdict:

If you spend a lot of time fiddling about in Windows Explorer, you owe it to yourself to give this powerful, beautifully engineered replacement a try.

Your Comments & Opinion

31 January 2016 11:12, alex korbut
Version 16.20.0100 is not yet free.
www.downloadcrew.com reply:

Updated, thanks. I keep reminding the team the Free version isn't updated alongside the Pro version!

Time-saving? Once you're past the learning curve, maybe
09 October 2014 10:46, bolg wrad
There is one major problem with XYPlorer, and that's the file preview. The only file view button I could find was 'floating preview', and this didn't work for a WMV file. Normally I use DOpus, which is as transparent to use as it gets. Using XYPlorer is like doing a crossword. There are dozens of buttons with those developers' icon choices you love to hate, loads of finicky view options that are on by default, and yes, it's powerful, yes, it's fast, yes it's comprehensive, but my goodness is it tiresome to configure. And if you don't like the UI, tough.
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