xplorer² (formerly 2xExplorer) is a dual-pane file manager for Microsoft Windows operating systems, developed by Nikos Bozinis (Nikolaos Achilleos Bozinis). It offers the functionality of orthodox file managers through an interface similar to the familiar Windows Explorer. Some of its features are tabbed file management within each pane, viewing and editing text files, searching for files using arbitrary criteria, the ability to compare and synchronize folders and the ability to perform queued or concurrent copy and move operations with error handling (robust file transfer).[4] The file finder module is claimed to be “outclass” from other search tools.[5]

Traditional dual pane interface with file details.
xplorer² pro/ultimate
Developer(s)Nikos Bozinis
Stable release
5.4.0.2[1] / 14 June 2023; 17 months ago (14 June 2023)
PlatformMicrosoft Windows
Size2.0 MB (32 bit), 2.1 MB (64 bit) [2]
TypeFile manager
LicenseCommercial proprietary
Websitewww.zabkat.com
xplorer² Lite
Developer(s)Nikos Bozinis
Stable release
5.4.0.2 / June 14, 2023; 17 months ago (2023-06-14)[3]
PlatformMicrosoft Windows
Size1.57 MB[3]
TypeFile manager
LicenseFreeware[3]
Websitewww.zabkat.com/x2lite.htm

xplorer² is fully shell integrated, supporting all windows shell extension handlers that provide preview, text content search and file property information. It also supports many Total Commander WDX/WLX/WCX extension plugins.

Later versions support multi-folder browsing in side-by-side panels (aka Miller columns), detect duplicate and similar files and pictures to clean up hard disk space.

xplorer² comes in two paid varieties, professional and ultimate. The ultimate version is more expensive but includes a faster search engine (it integrates with Windows Search) and is portable (can be run off a USB stick)

Apart from the commercial version of the program, there is also a version which is free for personal and academic use. Three features of the Professional version not present in the Lite version are advanced search (Omni-Finder), full Unicode support and robust transfer.[3]

xplorer² has been in constant development since 2002. Over the years there have been many independent reviews for xplorer². Lifehacker considered it the "best alternative file browser for windows" in a 2011 review,[6] and many reviews rank it among the five best free replacements for Windows Explorer [7] [8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "XPLORER² CHANGELOG".
  2. ^ "xplorer² download mirrors". zabkat.com. 7 June 2009. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d "xplorer² lite: free windows explorer replacement (file manager)". zabkat.com. Retrieved 6 November 2009.
  4. ^ "xplorer² Fact Sheet: improved file handling". zabkat.com. Retrieved 6 November 2009.
  5. ^ "The home page of xplorer²". zabkat.com. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
  6. ^ "The Best Alternative File Browser for Windows". lifehacker.com. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  7. ^ "Best Alternative File Managers For Windows". techregar.com. Retrieved 4 April 2015.
  8. ^ "Five free replacements for Windows Explorer". techrepublic.com. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
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