Windows Explorer still opens every folder in its own window unless you fight it. Explorer++ fixes that with tabs, adds the file operations Explorer never had, and does it in a single executable you can run from a flash drive without installing anything.
It is written by David Erceg, released under the GNU GPL v3, and free for any use. The current stable version is 1.4.0, from January 2024, and the project is still being worked on — commits continue through 2026.
Explorer++ at a glance
| Latest stable version | 1.4.0, released 29 January 2024 |
|---|---|
| Licence | Free, open source (GPL v3) |
| Windows | 7, 8, 10, 11 and Windows PE. Earlier versions run on XP and above |
| Builds | 32-bit and 64-bit; ARM64 in development builds |
| Portable | Yes — settings go either to the registry or to a file next to the program |
| Dependencies | None: no .NET, no Java |
What it adds over Windows Explorer
- Tabs, with Ctrl+Shift+T to reopen the one you just closed.
- Bookmarks with a toolbar, a menu and an “Other bookmarks” area — arranged by drag and drop, or copied and pasted like text.
- A preview pane at the bottom or, since 1.4, on the right.
- Merging and splitting files — genuinely useful when a log has been rotated into pieces or a file has to cross a size limit.
- Changing file dates and attributes directly, without a separate utility.
- Saving a directory listing to a file — handy for documentation and audits.
- Search by name and attributes, and filtering of what is shown in the current folder.
- Customisable keyboard shortcuts and interface.
- Full drag and drop with Explorer and other applications, so it does not isolate you from the rest of Windows.
Download and use
- Click the Download button at the top of this page and unpack the archive.
- Run the executable. There is nothing to install and no administrator rights are needed — this is the whole point of the program.
- To keep it truly portable, put a configuration file next to the executable; otherwise settings are written to the registry under the current user.
- Translations are a separate download that you unpack into the same folder.
- To remove it, delete the executable and, if you used the registry, the Explorer++ key under the current user.
Settings are saved automatically every 30 seconds since 1.4.0, so a crash no longer costs you your tab layout.
Honest limitations
- No dark mode in the stable release. It exists in development builds on Windows 10 1809 and newer, and even there some controls still show up light.
- High-DPI support is partial. On a scaled 4K display parts of the interface may not look perfect.
- No dual-pane layout. If you need two panels side by side, this is the wrong tool — see FreeCommander XE or Total Commander.
- No built-in archive handling and no FTP.
- The bookmark description field was removed in 1.4.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| It crashes when you right-click a file | The developer’s own answer: this is almost always a faulty third-party shell extension. Use a tool such as ShellExView to disable extensions one by one and find it. |
| Two versions clash over settings | Running several versions side by side can overwrite saved data — back up the configuration first. |
| It replaced Explorer and you want it back | Before uninstalling, choose “Don’t replace Explorer” in the settings. |
| Interface is blurry on a 4K screen | Known: high-DPI support is only partial in 1.4.0. |
Explorer++ vs. alternatives
| Tool | How it compares |
|---|---|
| FreeCommander XE | Dual-pane with archives, comparison and FTP; heavier, and its 64-bit build is a paid licence |
| One Commander | Modern looking, column and miller views; needs more resources |
| Total Commander | Shareware, dual-pane, huge plugin ecosystem, long learning curve |
| Files | Modern open-source manager built on .NET; noticeably heavier than a 2 MB executable |
FAQ
Is Explorer++ free?
Yes, free and open source under GPL v3, with no paid edition.
Does it need installing?
No. Unpack the executable and run it — that is the entire procedure.
Does it have a dark theme?
Not in the 1.4.0 stable release. Development builds have one on Windows 10 1809 and later, though some controls still render light.
Can it replace Windows Explorer completely?
It can be set as the default file manager, and it handles everyday work well. It does not reproduce every shell feature, and it has no dual-pane mode.
Does it work on Windows 11?
Yes, and also on Windows PE, which makes it useful on recovery media.
Is the project still alive?
Yes. 1.4.0 remains the current stable release, but work in the repository has continued through 2026.
