File Explorer is the default app for managing information on Home windows. Regardless of enhancements over time, it has remained a irritating software to make use of as a result of it’s so gradual and clunky. It’s been such an issue that a few of us even began exploiting a bug to make File Explorer quicker.
Whereas I’ve tried another alternate options, File Pilot is the primary that has ever pushed me to delete the File Explorer shortcut from my taskbar.
The very first thing that stands out about this app is its pace. In contrast to Home windows File Explorer, which frequently lags when loading massive directories, File Pilot opens folders immediately. When testing it this week, I used to be in a position to simply flick thru my arduous drives and SSDs with none slowdown. And that’s whereas utilizing the beta—which is freely out there.
Even animations really feel extremely clean. As an alternative of inflexible viewing modes, File Pilot gives a slider-based system the place you’ll be able to step by step swap between an inventory view, particulars view, and enormous icons—all with fluid transitions. It’s a kind of small however satisfying options that make an enormous distinction.
However the app isn’t nearly pace—it’s designed to spice up productiveness by using tabbed searching, a split-screen view, and even an inspector mode that allows you to view the contents of a folder with out having to completely open it. The “Go To” characteristic is particularly nice, too, as a result of it searches for issues immediately—in contrast to File Explorer.
Customization is one other space the place File Pilot shines. You’ll be able to remap keyboard shortcuts, tweak fonts and spacing, and alter the colour scheme. If you happen to choose, you’ll be able to even toggle animations on or off. This allows you to adapt the app to your workflow relatively than forcing you to regulate to it.
Whereas this File Explorer substitute has a variety of potential, it’s not fairly good but. It doesn’t help community searching and may’t change File Explorer by default (with out requiring you to tweak the registry). Nevertheless, the developer says they’re actively engaged on enhancements earlier than the total launch.
If you happen to’ve been looking for a quick, customizable, and fashionable various to File Explorer, File Pilot is among the greatest choices I’ve tried. Regardless of solely being in beta, it’s already proving to be the file supervisor Home windows customers deserve.
The one huge draw back I’m not notably enthusiastic about is {that a} $50 license (the choice that most individuals will doubtless select) solely will get you a yr of updates. If you would like lifetime updates, it’s important to spend $250… and that value goes up as soon as the beta ends. For now, although, you’ll be able to obtain the app and check out it out your self at no cost.
