PCManFM as a Linux alternative to Windows File Explorer
Updated
Our verdict
PCManFM is a solid replacement for Windows File Explorer for users who prioritize speed and simplicity over visual polish or deep system integration. It handles core file operations reliably—copy, move, delete, rename—with tabbed browsing and dual-pane mode improving workflow efficiency. It’s especially well-suited for older hardware or lightweight desktop setups. While it lacks some advanced features like network browsing consistency and indexed search, its volume management and desktop integration work well on Linux. Users transitioning from Windows will adapt quickly if they value functionality over familiarity.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.4.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Direct support for browsing local and external drives
- Drag-and-drop file operations within and between windows
- Thumbnail previews for images and some media files
- Customizable sidebar and bookmarkable directories
- File renaming, copying, moving, and deletion with confirmation
What is different
- No built-in indexed search; relies on basic directory search
- Limited network browsing compared to Windows’ integrated SMB experience
- Dual-pane mode is available but not enabled by default
- Desktop icon management is included, unlike most Linux file managers
- No native recycle bin behavior by default—deletes go straight to trash unless configured
Opening your Windows File Explorer files
PCManFM reads and writes standard file systems used on Windows (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT) when properly mounted, which most distributions handle automatically. It opens common Windows file types like .txt, .jpg, .mp3, and .pdf without issue, relying on associated applications. It does not natively open proprietary Windows-only formats like .lnk shortcuts or system-specific metadata, but handles standard directory structures and permissions correctly under Linux. File compatibility depends more on the underlying system than PCManFM itself.
Switching from Windows File Explorer to PCManFM, step by step
- Install PCManFM via package manager: 'sudo apt install pcmanfm' on Debian/Ubuntu
- Set PCManFM as default file manager through system settings or xdg-mime
- Enable desktop icons and set wallpaper through PCManFM preferences
- Add frequently used directories to bookmarks for quick access
- Enable dual-pane mode in preferences if needed for file transfers
Key features of PCManFM
- Tabbed browsing for managing multiple directories
- Built-in file association and MIME type handling
- Support for desktop icons and wallpaper management
- Integrated volume management for removable drives
- Customizable toolbar and context menus
- Dual-pane mode for efficient file transfers
- Lightweight and low memory usage
- Thunar-style bulk rename utility included
How to install PCManFM on Linux
sudo apt install pcmanfmsudo apt install pcmanfmsudo dnf install pcmanfmsudo pacman -S pcmanfmsudo zypper install pcmanfmFrequently asked questions
Can PCManFM access Windows network shares?
Yes, but you must manually enter the address like smb://server/share. It doesn’t browse the network automatically like Windows Explorer.
Does PCManFM support opening files with the correct program?
Yes, it uses standard Linux MIME type associations to open files with the right application.
Is PCManFM safe to use with administrator privileges?
It can be run as root using 'gksu' or 'pkexec', but only when necessary—running file managers as root risks system damage.
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