Windows File Explorer users can enhance their file management experience using several free tools that address its limitations. These applications improve performance and add missing features such as faster file transfers, advanced search options, and automation capabilities.
Modern Themes and Performance
Windhawk offers a module called the Windows 11 File Explorer Styler, which enables modern themes within File Explorer. Another Windhawk module improves the display of folder sizes in MB/GB, providing clearer insights into storage usage without needing to open properties. TeraCopy is another tool that enhances file operations, allowing users to pause and resume transfers, verify files, and manage multiple transfer jobs efficiently. It integrates with File Explorer via the right-click menu for seamless use.
Automation and Quick Previews
DropIt simplifies file sorting by automating processes based on user-defined rules, such as file type, size, or name patterns. It works silently in the background, keeping directories organized. QuickLook facilitates quick previews of files, including images, PDFs, and videos, by pressing the Spacebar. This feature allows users to view file content without fully opening applications. Meanwhile, PowerToys Peek offers similar functionality, activated by Ctrl+Space.
Instant Search and Batch Operations
For users seeking rapid file searches, Listary provides an immediate search function inside File Explorer, accessible with a double-tap of the Ctrl key. It locates files and folders promptly and offers web search and command execution capabilities. PowerRename, a feature of PowerToys, enables batch renaming from the Explorer context menu using search-replace patterns or regular expressions. This utility enhances productivity by streamlining file renaming tasks, and PowerToys also includes an Image Resizer for bulk resizing of images.
Overall, these tools integrate smoothly with File Explorer, offering users enhanced functionalities and improving the user interface, efficiency, and speed of routine file management tasks.
