How (And Why) to Change the Default File Explorer in Windows

This guide explains how to set a third-party file manager as the default in Windows 11, and how to use the Win E shortcut to launch it. While Windows File Explorer is sufficient for many, third-party options often offer enhanced features (like displaying folder sizes). However, not all third-party managers provide a built-in setting for this.

Why Switch Default File Explorers?

Windows File Explorer has improved, but lacks features found in alternatives like OneCommander, Directory Opus, or File Pilot. These offer advantages, but usually require manual registry editing to become the default.

Setting a Third-Party File Manager as Default

This involves registry editing – back up your system and create a restore point first!

1. Locate Executable: Find your file manager's executable (e.g., FilePilot.exe). Right-click and copy its path.

2. Create Registry Script: Open Notepad and paste this script, replacing the placeholder path with your file manager's path:

<code>Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drives\shell]
@="open"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drives\shell\open\command]
@="\"C:\Users\krama\AppData\Local\Voidstar\FilePilot\FPilot.exe\" \"%1\" /T /O /S"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
@="open"
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\open\command]
@="\"C:\Users\krama\AppData\Local\Voidstar\FilePilot\FPilot.exe\" \"%1\" /T /O /S"</code>

3. Save the Script: Save the file as a .reg file (e.g., FilePilotDefault.reg).

4. Run the Script: Double-click the .reg file to execute it. Your chosen file manager is now the default.

5. Reverting Changes: To restore Windows File Explorer, delete the "open" key under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drives\shell and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell in the Registry Editor. Crucially, do this before uninstalling the third-party manager to avoid system issues.

Using Win E with Your Chosen File Manager

Many file managers don't automatically remap the Win E shortcut. AutoHotkey provides a solution:

1. Install AutoHotkey: Download and install AutoHotkey.

2. Create AutoHotkey Script: Open Notepad and paste this, replacing the path with your file manager's path:

<code>#e::Run "C:\Users\krama\AppData\Local\Voidstar\FilePilot\FPilot.exe"</code>

3. Save the Script: Save as a .ahk file (e.g., FilePilotWinE.ahk).

4. Run and Autostart: Run the .ahk file. To make it automatically start with Windows, copy it to %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

Now Win E will launch your preferred file manager. Remember to always back up your system before making registry changes.

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