Our verdict: FreeCommander XE is a capable two-panel file manager with folder comparison, synchronization and batch renaming built in. The free edition is the 32-bit build for private use, updated about once a year. Native context menus, the internal PDF viewer and SFTP are reserved for the paid 64-bit version.
About FreeCommander XE
FreeCommander is developed by Marek Jasinski as an alternative to File Explorer. It shows two panels side by side or one above the other, each with tabs and an optional folder tree, and gives quick access to the desktop, Control Panel and system folders.
Built-in tools cover folder comparison and synchronization, a duplicate finder, MD5 and SHA checksums, secure file wiping, a multi-rename tool and a simple FTP client. ZIP archives are handled natively, and plugins add RAR and 7z. The free 32-bit version is updated once a year; the paid 64-bit version gets several updates a year.
What it does well
- Dual panels with tabs. Horizontal or vertical layout, tabs and an optional tree in each panel.
- Folder compare and sync. Compares two folders and synchronizes their contents.
- Multi-rename tool. Renames many files at once with patterns.
- Checksums and wiping. Creates and verifies MD5 and SHA checksums and wipes files securely.
- Built-in viewer. Views files in text, hex, binary or image mode, also inside archives.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home users who want a classic two-panel file manager with sync and rename tools at no cost.
Look elsewhere
Companies, and users who need SFTP, PDF preview or native 64-bit context menus without paying.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Folder sync, compare and duplicate finder built in
- Tabs and flexible dual-panel layout
- All keyboard shortcuts can be changed
- Portable version available
Cons
- Free edition is 32-bit only and updated once a year
- Native context menu, PDF viewer, SFTP and text search in Office files need the paid 64-bit version
- Businesses may only test the free version for 30 days
How to install FreeCommander XE
The download is a ZIP archive that contains the setup program; extract it first, then run the setup. The variant with the help file is larger. A portable version is available on a separate page of the official site.
Questions about FreeCommander XE
Is FreeCommander free?
The 32-bit version is free for private users without a time limit. Commercial users may test it for 30 days and then need a 64-bit license. The 64-bit version is paid, either as a single download or as one or two years of access to updates.
Does the 32-bit FreeCommander work on 64-bit Windows?
Yes. It runs on 64-bit Windows 10 and 11; the 64-bit edition adds native context menus and extra features.
