Caja as a Linux alternative to Windows File Explorer
Updated
Our verdict
Caja is a solid replacement for Windows File Explorer if you're using the MATE desktop or prefer a lightweight, traditional file manager. It handles basic file operations reliably—browse, copy, move, rename, delete—and supports drag-and-drop, keyboard shortcuts, and archive browsing. Users coming from Windows will find the layout familiar, though some advanced features like integrated cloud storage or deep system integration are missing. It’s best suited for users who value simplicity and don’t need advanced metadata or network-heavy workflows.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.28.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Graphical browsing of local and external drives
- Copy, move, rename, and delete operations via GUI or context menu
- Drag-and-drop file manipulation within and between windows
- Sidebar with bookmarks and device shortcuts
- Search bar with filtering as you type
What is different
- No built-in indexed full-text search like Windows Search
- Thumbnail previews limited by installed codecs and MATE settings
- No native integration with OneDrive or other cloud services
- Root access requires separate policy setup (e.g., caja-admin)
- Fewer metadata display options compared to Explorer’s details pane
Opening your Windows File Explorer files
Caja opens the same file types as Windows File Explorer—documents, images, archives, and media—provided the correct applications and codecs are installed. It reads NTFS, FAT, and exFAT drives out of the box when mounted. You can access, copy, and move files from Windows partitions without conversion. Archives (ZIP, TAR, etc.) are browsable and extractable. However, .lnk files and some Windows-specific metadata are ignored, which is normal behavior on Linux.
Switching from Windows File Explorer to Caja, step by step
- Install Caja via your distro’s package manager (e.g., 'sudo apt install caja')
- Set Caja as default file manager through system settings or MATE Control Center
- Copy or symlink frequently accessed directories to the bookmarks file (~/.config/gtk-3.0/bookmarks)
- Enable thumbnail previews in Caja preferences if not already active
- Install optional plugins like caja-gksu for root actions via right-click
Key features of Caja
- Sidebar with bookmarks and device shortcuts
- Context‑menu actions for copy, move, and rename
- File preview pane for images, PDFs, and text
- Search bar with instant filtering
- Support for ZIP, TAR, and other archives
- Drag‑and‑drop and keyboard shortcuts
- Customizable toolbar and view options
- Built‑in terminal integration (optional)
How to install Caja on Linux
sudo apt install cajasudo apt install cajasudo dnf install cajasudo pacman -S cajasudo zypper install cajaFrequently asked questions
Can Caja access my Windows partitions?
Yes, Caja shows all mounted drives, including NTFS and FAT partitions. They appear under 'Devices' in the sidebar. Mounting is usually automatic in desktop environments.
Does Caja support drag-and-drop between folders?
Yes, drag-and-drop works within and between Caja windows, just like in Windows File Explorer. It also supports keyboard shortcuts for power users.
How do I open folders as administrator in Caja?
Install caja-gksu or caja-admin, then right-click a folder and choose 'Open as Administrator' for root access.
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