Files
Files is an open-source file manager for Windows that helps organize files and folders.
What Files is
Files is an open-source file manager for Windows that helps organize files and folders. It supports tabs for managing multiple locations, dual-pane browsing to view two folders side by side, colored tags and a column layout. Users can create and extract zip, WinRar and 7zip archives, and preview photos, videos and documents. Cloud-drive integrations include OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Box, Dropbox, Mega and Nextcloud, but the corresponding clients must be installed and running. Files also supports FTP and FTPS connections, though SFTP is not currently available. Its Git integration includes branch creation and switching, GitHub remote push and pull, and repository status details. The project is maintained by a collective of contributors and offers stable and preview versions through the Microsoft Store; the preview can be installed alongside stable. There is a free version, and purchasing through the store supports development. Installation requires Windows Update and Delivery Optimization to be enabled, and modified versions of Windows are not officially supported. The FAQ notes memory leaks can cause memory use to accumulate during extended sessions and suggests disabling background running as a mitigation.
Good
- Dual pane and tabs support multiple folder views.
- Can create and extract zip, WinRar and 7zip archives.
- Git integration includes GitHub remote push and pull.
- Offers free and preview versions.
Watch out
- SFTP connections are not supported.
- Cloud-drive clients must be installed and running.
- Memory use can accumulate during extended sessions.
- Installation requires Windows Update and Delivery Optimization enabled.
Who it suits
Files suits Windows users seeking an open-source file manager with tabs, dual panes, archive tools and cloud-drive connections. It may also suit people working with Git repositories or FTP and FTPS connections.
Verdict
Files offers a broad set of file organization and connection tools for Windows. Note its SFTP gap and documented memory-leak issue, especially for extended sessions.
The facts
Each one read from Files's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Archives and previews
- Files can create and extract zip, WinRar, and 7zip archives, and preview photos, videos, and documents.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Archive support
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Batch rename
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Cloud drives
- The site lists built-in support for OneDrive, Google Drive, and iCloud; its documentation says cloud integrations require their desktop clients to be installed and running.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Cloud storage access
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Community
- Files says it is free and open-source software maintained and designed by a collective of hundreds of contributors.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Download
- The download page offers stable and preview versions through the Microsoft Store.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Download options
- The download page lists stable and preview releases and says the preview can be installed alongside the stable release.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Dual-pane view
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- File management
- Files supports tabs, dual pane browsing, colored tags, column view, and archive creation and extraction.checked 4 Oct 2026
- FTP limitation
- Files supports FTP and FTPS connections, and its documentation says SFTP is not currently supported.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Git
- Files' Git integration supports branch creation and switching, remote push and pull, and Git status details in the interface.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Integration caveat
- Files says third-party integrations are provided as a convenience, are not officially endorsed, and receive no commission or compensation from Files.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Known issue
- The FAQ says memory use can accumulate during extended sessions because of known memory leaks that the team is investigating.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Known performance issue
- The FAQ says memory leaks can cause usage to accumulate during extended sessions and suggests disabling background running as a mitigation.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Organization
- The maker describes Files as a community-driven, open source project.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Organization and views
- Files offers colored file and folder tags and a column layout for navigating the file system.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Previews
- Files can preview items using PowerToys Peek, QuickLook, or SeerPro when the respective tool is installed.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says Files collects non-identifiable diagnostic and usage data, uses Sentry for error reporting, and does not share collected information with third parties.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Product
- Files is an open-source file explorer built for Windows to help organize files and folders.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Purchase
- The maker says purchasing Files through the Microsoft Store helps support development, and the install page also describes a free version.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Remote access
- Files supports FTP and FTPS connections, while SFTP is not currently supported.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site directs users to GitHub to report bugs and Discord to request features.checked 5 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
Alternatives to Files
- 1
Filestash
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWebAPI9.2From $50 a month - 2
Owlfiles
Free planAndroidiOSExtensionmacOS8.7From $12.99 a year - 3
WinSCP
Free planOpen sourceWindows7.9Free plan - 4
Dolphin
Free planOpen sourceLinuxWindows7.8Free plan - 5
FileRun
AndroidiOSWebAPI7.8From €9.90 a year - 6
OneCommander
Free planWindows7.8$30 one-time