BentoDesk
BentoDesk is free, open-source Windows software for organizing files into desktop Zones.
What BentoDesk is
BentoDesk is free, open-source Windows software for organizing files into desktop Zones. Each Zone opens as a grid, and Zones can be combined into Stacks. Windows Shell drag and drop supports files, folders, and shortcuts with move or copy behavior. You can filter a Zone or search across all Zones, use selectable smart-grouping suggestions, and apply local rules. Live folders synchronize a bound directory with its Zone. Zones can use several layouts, with snapshots, a structural-change timeline, and restoration of earlier arrangements. Plugins come from validated local packages and can be enabled, disabled, persisted, or removed with confirmation. BentoDesk operates locally without an account, telemetry, analytics, advertising, cloud storage, or crash uploads, according to its maker. It requires Windows 10 version 1809 or later, Windows 11, and an x86-64 processor. It does not replace Explorer or provide cloud-account sync.
Good
- Free and open-source
- Zones, Stacks, and drag-and-drop handling
- Cross-Zone search and local rules
- Snapshots and timeline restoration
- No account, telemetry, or cloud storage
Watch out
- Windows-only platform
- Requires Windows 10 1809 or later
- Does not replace Explorer
- No cloud-account sync
Who it suits
It suits Windows users seeking local-first desktop file organization with filtering, automation, and recoverable layouts. It is also intended for people who do not need cloud-account synchronization or an Explorer replacement.
Verdict
BentoDesk combines grid-based Zones, search, local automation, and layout recovery for Windows desktops. Its local-only design is clear, but platform and synchronization limits matter.
The facts
Each one read from BentoDesk's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation
- Live folders synchronize a bound directory with its Zone, while local rules support repeatable organization without an online service.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Data handling
- The privacy policy says application data and user files are not collected, sold, or shared, and desktop paths, names, icons, and contents are not uploaded.checked 11 Oct 2026
- File handling
- It supports Windows Shell drag and drop for files, folders, and shortcuts, with move and copy behavior.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Intended fit
- The maker positions BentoDesk for local-first desktop organization and says it does not provide cloud-account sync or replace Explorer.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Layouts and recovery
- Users can arrange Zones in several layouts, save snapshots, review structural changes on a timeline, and restore earlier arrangements.checked 11 Oct 2026
- License
- The source code is licensed under GNU AGPL-3.0-or-later.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Limitations
- BentoDesk is Windows-only, does not replace Explorer, and does not provide cloud-account sync.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Local operation
- The maker says BentoDesk has no account, project-operated server, telemetry, analytics, advertising, cloud storage, or crash-upload service.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Organization
- Features include filtering and cross-Zone search, selectable smart-grouping suggestions, live folders, and local organization rules.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- Plugins can be installed from validated local packages, enabled, disabled, persisted, and removed with confirmation.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- BentoDesk says it has no account system, telemetry, analytics, advertising, cloud storage, or crash uploads, and does not upload desktop file names, paths, icons, or contents.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- BentoDesk organizes ordinary Windows files into desktop Zones that open as grids and can be combined into Stacks.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Recovery
- Users can save and load layout snapshots, inspect structural changes on a timeline, and restore an earlier arrangement.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- BentoDesk requires Windows 10 version 1809 or later, or Windows 11, and an x86-64 processor.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Search
- Users can filter one Zone or search across all Zones.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Security
- The maker describes update-package digest or signature verification and local encryption options including DPAPI or a passphrase.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker asks users to report security issues through GitHub's private reporting channel rather than a public issue.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Update network
- The default updater contacts GitHub over HTTPS and verifies the official setup's SHA-256 digest before staging it; installation requires explicit user action.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Updater
- The default updater contacts GitHub over HTTPS, checks weekly by default, and requires explicit user action to install an update.checked 11 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform requirements
- BentoDesk is Windows-only and requires Windows 10 version 1809 or later, or Windows 11, on x86-64.checked 11 Oct 2026
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