Substitute for File Explorer other then Total Comander or Explorer++

Couple of others, FreeCommander and MultiCommander. I usually get file managers from MajorGeeks.Com - MajorGeeks.
System Tools, File Managers,

An old one that works on x86 and x64 Windows up through Win11 [from Win3.x days]:
WinFile Portable 10.2

Tablacus Explorer with "Shell Execute Hook" ans "Open Instead" addons but somehow I think that you'd struggle with configuration. It might take a week or two to understand and configure it to your liking.

Another one I use is "Files" but I've got the old version installed which doesn't require sideloading. I see that a classic installer is available but I've not tried it.

Files • Download

Files • Docs - Set Files as the default file manager

I would suggest - don't replace File Explorer. Just use third party alternatives to browse and open files when you need other features.

Agreed, don't mess with File Explorer/Windows Explorer, it's pretty much the core of Windows. To show the implications, use Task Manager to End Task on File Explorer/Windows Explorer, only thing left on the screen is/are programs already running. Save any open documents first as it may be necessary to reboot. I hadn't rebooted in a couple days so did it just for this post.

but one that will activate when I click on a drive or folder shortcut and open up like regular Explorer did.

Normally programs that support being a replacement for file explorer (well, most of the time) have an option to let you select that.
DOpus (which I tried years ago) does.

Xyplorer does too:


I.e. you need to find one that offers the option I've shown above, then use that option.

What Berton posted was just a demonstration of the effect of closing what is designated as Windows Explorer or File explorer as viewed in the task manager. How you close it is merely a matter of choice.

And the comment was only for illustration.

videobruce said:

I'm looking (in vain) for a close substitute for their File Explorer

Bruce,

It would help stimulate more pertinent replies if you said why you want to substitute something for File explorer i.e. what it is about File explorer that you want to be freed from.

All the best,
Denis

dalchina said:

What Berton posted was just a demonstration of the effect of closing what is designated as Windows Explorer or File explorer as viewed in the task manager. How you close it is merely a matter of choice.

And the comment was only for illustration.

One thing I've learned since beginning work in a computer store and building computers is that there usually is at least 2 ways of accomplishing the same task in Windows.