For over 2 decades, one of the default features of the Windows operating system is File Explorer. For those not familiar with File Explorer, it is the defacto file manager for Windows. In other words, File Explorer provides quick access to files and folders on your PC.
Over the years, File Explorer had some minor tweaks here and there. For the most part, though, the look and feel remainded the same. And the functionality has remained the same.
Are you tired of old and basic? If the answer is yes, try Multi-Commander.
Quick Comparison
Below is a quick comparison between File Explorer and Multi-Commander.
Perhaps a visual representation is more your style.
A drastic difference, no.
One other great feature of Multi-Commander — It is free. That’s right, this great tool will cost you zero, zilch, zip, nada.
Let’s dig deeper into the greatness of Multi-Commander.
Multiple Panes
Instead of a single pane window, Multi-Commander allows for multiple panes. Why should you care? For starters, quick and easy access for copy and paste. As a software developer, I would have multiple instances of File Explorer open at any given time. After so many windows, it was easy to become confused as to which window belonged to which folder. Multi-Commander eliminates the confusion.
Tabbed-Interface
In my opinion, the single most widely used application is the web browser. Google Chrome, Vivaldi, Firefox, Edge, and the list goes on. One feature in each of these browsers is tabs. Tabs are great to provide access to different sites. One of the great features of Multi-Commander is the tabbed interface. Users can open any number of tabs in each of the panes.
Perhaps you prefer your tabs on the top.
Unlimited (Almost) Customizations
Multi-Commander gives you control over the look and feel. No more dictating how it should you. To quote He-Man, “I have the power.”
Core Settings
Multi-Commander gives the user control over the look, feel, and behavior of the application. Adding toolbars, removing toolbars, changing colors, and so so so so so much more.
File Explorer Panel Settings
In the previous section, I showed the many options available for the core of the application. The user has options for the File Explorer panel as well. Just to give an example, the Display section of the settings has over four pages of customizations. It is enough to start feeling overwhelmed.
Import/Export of Settings
Customizing an application takes time. Once you have everything set just right, you face the daunting tasks of performing the same task and every machine running the application. Multi-Commander makes the task simple and easy. The import and exports includes Core Settings and File Explorer Panel settings.
- Export the settings from Multi-Commander on the one machine.
- Import the settings into Multi-Commander on the other machines.
Button Editor — How to Add/Change Buttons
At the bottom of the Multi-Commander window are buttons. On the default installation, I believe window has 6 or 8 rows of buttons. To change the number of rows, go to the settings under Core Settings.
If you like the row(s) of buttons but want your own buttons, Multi-Commander gives you the power.
Under the Configuration menu, find the option called Button Editor.
The following window is displayed. This window allows you to add buttons, change buttons, swap buttons, and copy buttons.
I wanted a quick and easy way to get to the downloads folder at any time. I clicked on the button in the row and entered the following information.
Upon clicking the “Update Changes” button, the new button was available for use at any time.
In Summary
If you are tried of the boring, mundane, and limited File Explorer, look no further than Multi-Commander. The sheer volume of customizations available to the user as well as the plethora of tools available with the application.
One additional item to note: This article sounds more like an advertisement for Multi-Commander. This is NOT an advertisement. I am not affiliated with Multi-Commander in any way, shape, or form. It is an application that I have ingrained into my every day life.
Helpful Hint
I am a user of keystrokes. I use Windows+E to open File Explorer. Though this action cannot be overriden natively, AutoHotKey gives you the ability to override the action and launch Multi-Commander.
#e::
run “C:\Program Files\MultiCommander (x64)\MultiCommander.exe”
return
