Explorer Add-ons to improve productivity and file management

File Explorer is one of the most used tools in Windows, features, but it doesn’t have many add-ons that can improve the experience. While it has improved over the years, it still needs some features that it could do with. This post looks at some of the Explorer add-ons you can use to improve productivity and file management in Windows 11/10.

File Explorer Add-ons to improve productivity and file management in Windows 11

Here is the list of extensions or add-ons you can use with File Explorer on your Windows 11/10 PC:

PowerToys
TeraCopy
Lcaros
Mountain Duck
Listary
Ditto Clipboard Manager

Check out each of them, and use only what you find useful.

1] PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys is a tool for Windows power users. It is free to use and has many utility tools to help you enhance your productivity and customize your Windows experience. It can create custom layouts for snapping Windows, quickly search and launch apps, files, or commands from a simple launcher, remap keys, or create custom keyboard shortcuts for more efficient workflows.

First, download PowerToys from its Github page and install it.
Once installed, launch the program and go to the File Management section.
Here, you have tools such as File Locksmith, Addon Section, New+, and Peek

Check out each of them or read our detailed post on PowerToys & its File management capabilities.

2] TeraCopy

If you want to enjoy faster file copying and moving proceed speed, TeraCopy is a must-have tool. It is much quicker and more reliable than the default Windows file transfer system and comes with features like pause/resume, error recovery, and verification of copied files.

Using the tool is also pretty straightforward. Download and install it, and the next time you copy files, Windows will ask you if you would like to use TeraCopy.

3] Lcaros

If you have a good collection of movies or multimedia files, Lcaros can be a good tool. It generates thumbnails for video files that Windows doesn’t natively support, like MKV, FLV, or Webm. This allows you to have a better file browsing and media management experience and get more technical information about your media files.

Start by downloading and installing Icaros Shell Extensions.
Next, launch the application and enable Thumbnailing and Properties. You can enable or disable the thumbnailing by clicking on it.
Furthermore, you can also add your preferred file types for Thumbnailing and Properties. Once you have done this, you can see thumbnails and other details for your files if they are missing.

4] Mountain Duck

With Mountain Duck, you can mount remote storage as local drives on your Windows computer. It supports various protocols like FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and cloud services such as Amazon S3, Google Drive, and Dropbox. As a result, you can edit or manage your remote files as if they were stored locally. So, if you work with remote storage, this is a must-have tool. However, it is not free, and it comes with a trial.

First, download and install Mountain Duck.
Launch the program, and it will ask you to add remote storage.
Depending on your type of remote storage, you need to enter its details. For instance, to connect to Dropbox, we just had to choose Dropbox from its dropdown menu, assign a drive letter to it, and log in via the browser.

5] Listary

Listary is a productivity tool for Windows that offers powerful search and quick access features. It integrates with File Explorer and other applications and helps with quick file searches. You can also use it to navigate through folders quickly, making your workflow much smoother. However, this is not a free tool; it comes with a trial.

First, download and install Listary from its official website.
Once installed, press the CTRL key twice to open its search window.
Type the name of the application, file or folder you want to open.

Read: Free File Explorer alternatives for Windows

6] Ditto Clipboard Manager

Ditto is a clipboard manager that saves multiple clipboard items so you can easily view, access, and paste those saves. This is useful for anyone who copies and pastes frequently.

Install Ditto Clipboard Manager from the Microsoft Store.
Once installed, Ditto will run in the background and save everything you copy, including images.
You can access Ditto from the system tray and drag and drop any text that you copied to paste it.

I hope this was useful, and you can now use File Explorer much better.

Read: Managing Files and Folders in Windows 11

What tools can I use to convert file formats efficiently?

You can use free and reliable tools like HandBrake for video files, IrfanView for images, or Zamzar (online) for a wide range of file formats. These tools ensure quick and high-quality conversions.

Read: File Explorer Tips and Tricks for Windows 11

How can I batch convert images to another format?

Tools like XnConvert, IrfanView, or online services such as CloudConvert allow you to convert multiple images simultaneously. These tools support popular formats like JPG, PNG, and TIFF, often including additional features like resizing or watermarks.