Files
Files: A free, flexible Windows manager with tabs, dual panes, archives, previews, and cloud access. Ranked #17 of 100 in File Manager Software by our editors (7.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users wanting a modern free manager.
At a glance
- Editor score7.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows users wanting a modern free manager
- Free planYes
- Supported platformswindows
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Dual panes, tabs, layouts, previews, and a Command Palette
- Batch renaming plus ZIP and 7z archive management
- Supports many cloud-drive clients and includes Git actions
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only availability
- Cloud access depends on supported desktop clients
- No AI features or cross-platform version
Our verdict on Files
Files is an open-source desktop file manager for Windows, aimed at users who want more structure and control than a basic folder browser. Its free version combines tabbed navigation, dual-pane folder management, multiple layouts, file and folder tagging, previews for photos, videos, and documents, and a Command Palette with file-management actions. Batch renaming helps with larger groups of items, while built-in ZIP and 7z support covers common archive tasks. Git repository actions also make Files relevant to users who manage code alongside everyday files.
Its strongest fit is the breadth of local file-management features in a free, open-source package. The dual-pane layout supports side-by-side folder work, tabs keep multiple locations available, and tagging adds another way to organize content. The preview pane reduces the need to open separate applications for supported files. Files can also reach cloud storage through supported desktop clients, with integrations including OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Box, Dropbox, Mega, Nextcloud, Yandex, Jottacloud, Synology Drive, pCloud Drive, Nutstore, Seadrive, Autodesk, and ownCloud.
Files is available through the Microsoft Store, a classic installer, PowerShell, or other package methods. The published offering is freemium: a free version is available, while Microsoft Store purchases support ongoing development. The project is community-maintained, which may suit users who value open-source software but may be less suitable for teams seeking a broader platform or a product centered on enterprise support. Files should be a strong choice for Windows users who want a modern, feature-rich manager without a required paid plan. Users who need another operating system, built-in AI features, or cloud storage that works without supported desktop clients should look elsewhere.
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Files pricing
Files fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | windows |
| Dual-pane view | Yes |
| Tabbed interface | Yes |
| Batch rename | Yes |
| Archive support | Yes |
| Cloud storage access | Yes |
| Portable version | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 20 integrations: OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Box, Dropbox, Mega … See all → |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | files.community |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Files integrations
Files lists 20 integrations on its own site.
- OneDrive
- Google Drive
- iCloud
- Box
- Dropbox
- Mega
- Nextcloud
- Yandex
- Jottacloud
- Synology Drive
- pCloud Drive
- Nutstore
- Seadrive
- Autodesk
- ownCloud
- LucidLink
- Infomaniak kDrive
- Proton Drive
- MagentaCLOUD
- Sync.com
Alternatives to Files
- Total CommanderA feature-rich file manager for Windows users who want power beyond Explorer.9.3
- DolphinA capable free file manager, especially for Linux and KDE-oriented desktops.9.1
- WinSCPA capable Windows file manager for secure transfers, automation, and synchronization.9.0
Used Files? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Files for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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