OSI-licensed only · self-hostable
Windows File Explorer is the default file manager that ships with Windows. Open-source replacements add tabs, dual panes, previews and keyboard-driven workflows.
Every tool below is under an OSI-approved licence (MIT, MPL-2.0, GPL-2.0, GPL-3.0 or BSD-3-Clause), checked against its repository. Spacedrive is listed separately because its source is available under a non-OSI licence.
Licences checked against each repository on November 7, 2026.
| Tool | Best for | Licence | Runs as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Files | Modern Explorer-style replacement | MIT | Desktop app |
| Explorer++ | Lightweight tabbed Explorer | GPL-3.0 | Desktop app |
| Double Commander | Two-panel file management | GPL-2.0 | Desktop app |
| Far Manager | Console file manager with plugins | BSD-3-Clause | Desktop app |
| Yazi | Fast terminal file manager | MIT | Desktop app |
Best for: Modern Explorer-style replacement
A community-built, open-source Windows file manager with multitasking, file tags and an intuitive design. Dual-licensed MIT and MPL-2.0.
Best for: Lightweight tabbed Explorer
A lightweight and fast file manager for Windows, with portability, tabbed browsing and keyboard shortcuts.
Best for: Two-panel file management
A free cross-platform open source file manager with two panels side by side or one above the other.
Best for: Console file manager with plugins
A program for managing files and archives in Windows, running in a text-based console with DLL plugins such as archive support and an FTP client.
Best for: Fast terminal file manager
A terminal file manager written in Rust, based on non-blocking async I/O. The README notes it is in heavy development and expect breaking changes.
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| If you need… | Start with |
|---|---|
| A modern Explorer replacement | Files |
| Light and portable | Explorer++ |
| Tags and a modern look | Files |
| Dual-pane workflows | Double Commander |
| Keyboard and console | Far Manager or Yazi |
| Terminal workflows | Yazi |
Public source code, but under licences the Open Source Initiative doesn't approve. Fine to use; read the terms first.
Source is public, but the Functional Source License is not OSI-approved; it converts to Apache 2.0 after two years.
Quick answers to common questions
No, it is a proprietary component of Windows.
Files is the most Explorer-like; Explorer++ is the lightest.
No. It uses the Functional Source License, which is not OSI-approved.
Files and Explorer++ do.
Windows ties some functions to Explorer, so these tools usually run alongside it.
List it on TechLogHub and we'll review it for this page.
