NautilusLinux
vs
Windows File ExplorerWindows
Nautilus as a Linux alternative to Windows File Explorer
Updated
Our verdict
Nautilus is a solid replacement for Windows File Explorer for most desktop users on GNOME-based Linux systems. It handles core tasks like browsing, copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files reliably. The interface is intuitive, with tabs, split view, and drag-and-drop support. Thumbnail previews and live search work well. Users coming from Windows will adapt quickly, though some advanced features like detailed permission management are less visible. It’s best suited for general file management, not power-user scripting or deep system administration.
- License
- LGPL-2.1
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 51.1
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support drag-and-drop file operations across locations
- Integrated search with real-time filtering
- Thumbnail previews for images and videos
- Customizable sidebar and bookmarking (called 'Bookmarks' in Nautilus)
- Support for external drives and network locations
What is different
- Nautilus lacks built-in full-disk indexed search like Windows Search; relies on basic filename/content search
- No native hierarchical tree view in the main window by default
- Root access requires opening a separate instance via terminal or policykit, not built into the UI
- Batch rename is available but less feature-rich than third-party Windows tools
- No direct equivalent to 'Quick Access'—uses 'Recent' and 'Bookmarks' instead
Opening your Windows File Explorer files
Nautilus handles files created in Windows File Explorer without issue, including NTFS permissions when mounted properly. It reads and writes to FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS drives commonly used on Windows systems. File names, folder structures, and standard file types (documents, media, archives) transfer seamlessly. However, Windows-specific metadata (like certain shortcuts .lnk files) are not supported and appear as broken links.
Switching from Windows File Explorer to Nautilus, step by step
- Install Nautilus if not already present: use your package manager (e.g., 'sudo apt install nautilus' on Debian/Ubuntu)
- Connect external drives or network shares—they should auto-appear in the sidebar
- Drag and drop files between folders or use copy/paste as in Windows
- Use the search bar for live filtering; press Ctrl+F to focus it
- Enable split view or tabs via the top-right menu for multitasking
- Manage bookmarks via 'Bookmarks' > 'Add' to save frequent locations
Key features of Nautilus
- Integrated GVFS support for FTP, SFTP, SMB, and cloud services
- Search bar with live filtering
- Tabbed browsing and split‑view mode
- Customizable toolbar and extensions via GNOME Shell
- Batch rename and bulk operations
- Thumbnail previews for images and videos
- Drag‑and‑drop support across different locations
- Context‑aware right‑click menu
How to install Nautilus on Linux
sudo apt install nautilussudo apt install nautilussudo dnf install nautilussudo pacman -S libnautilus-extensionsudo zypper install nautilusFrequently asked questions
Can Nautilus access Windows network shares?
Yes, via the 'Other Locations' section or by entering smb://address in the location bar. GVFS handles SMB/CIFS mounts transparently.
How do I open Nautilus as administrator?
Do not run Nautilus directly with sudo. Use 'admin://' prefix in the location bar or run 'pkexec nautilus' for root access, but avoid regular use due to instability risks.
Does Nautilus support cloud services like OneDrive or Dropbox?
Yes, through GNOME Online Accounts or by mounting via GVFS. Dropbox has a native Linux client; OneDrive can be synced using rclone or similar tools.
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