You could believe that using the tool Microsoft has supplied is your only choice when it comes to something as basic as File Explorer in Windows, which is the program for seeing and managing files on disk. Alternative file managers are available, though, and you have the option to make them the default.
Proceed with caution, as this does involve some registry hacking. However, certain File Explorer substitutes will do the hacking for you, making it simpler. You may simply remove the additional registry keys you’ve made to return to the default File Explorer if you ever wish to.
Explorer app replacement
You may use an alternative file manager on Windows by replacing the Explorer app. Many prefer apps like Directory Opus, XYplorer, and Total Commander. More functionality and customization are available in these applications. You must make certain adjustments in order to replace Explorer. You may use a third-party program or alter the Windows Registry to accomplish this. After it is configured, the application of your choice will open folders rather than File Explorer. File management may become quicker and simpler as a result.
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Choose your file manager
Over the years, Lifehacker has covered a number of Windows file management programs, such as the sleek Files app. It has a sleek, contemporary interface with adjustable appearance settings, tabbed folder browsing, built-in previews for popular file types, and Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive connectors.
Another well-liked option is XYplorer. Along with tab compatibility and an easy-to-use dual-pane layout option, you also get a lot of customization choices and robust search capabilities. It’s quick to use, and since it enables scripts, you can automate a lot of tedious file management chores.
OneCommander is another utility that may be used to make itself the default file manager by handling registry hacks for you: On the Advanced tab, choose the Register as default file manager box by clicking the gear icon (bottom left). It has several helpful features, such as sophisticated filtering and folder-organizing capabilities, and the UI may be altered in a variety of ways.
Another file manager to think about is Total Commander, which is among the most feature-rich in terms of its capabilities: Disk searches, file comparisons, batch processing, automated archive management, and fast previews are just a few of the many choices available here. Additionally, you may experiment with a plethora of settings to customize the file manager to your exact specifications.
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How do I make my file explorer look normal
To make your File Explorer look normal again, you can reset its settings. You can change its settings. After launching File Explorer, select the “View” tab. Next, click “Options” on the right, and select “Change folder and search options.” Select “View” from the menu and select “Reset Folders” and “Restore Defaults.” The default appearance will return as a result. Verify whether your display settings or themes have changed as well since they might have an impact on how it looks.
Edit the Windows registry
Although there is no way to switch from File Explorer in some areas of Windows, such as when saving files in applications, you may modify the extensive Windows registry settings file to make your preferred file manager the default. Additionally, you should understand that editing the register is at your own risk: Windows problems can be caused by bad registry keys, but if you properly follow these steps, you should be well.
Ideally, you will be able to make your preferred file manager the default setting, so you should first see whether this is an option. Otherwise, you may begin making manual edits. From the Start menu, find and open the Registry Editor. Before making any changes, create a backup by choosing All for the export range under File > Export.
The file manager executable you wish to use as your new default must then be found in File Explorer. Select Copy as the path from the menu that appears after right-clicking on the program file. After that, you must go back to the Registry Editor and make a few new files and subfolders.
Locate the folder named HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell, right-click on it, choose New > Key, and select “open.” Right-click on this new key folder, choose New > Key once more, and then execute this “command.” In this new key, double-click the Default value. Then, paste the application path you copied from File Explorer.
Your changes are instantly saved when you click OK. With the updated keys and the file path, you must next carry out the identical procedure in the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell folder. Once that is resolved, restart your computer. If everything goes according to plan, a new default file manager will appear.
To return to normal, simply right-click and delete the registry keys you made in HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell. This will return File Explorer to its original location, though you can still use other file managers in addition to it.