How to Make S Files Pro X the Default File Manager in Windows

Open folders and the Win+E shortcut in S Files Pro X instead of File Explorer, switch back at any time, and other quick ways to launch the app.

Once you are used to tabs and dual panes, it is annoying when a folder opens in File Explorer instead. S Files Pro X can take over as the file manager Windows uses.

This is an experimental feature. It works by changing settings in the Windows Registry, and it may not work as expected in every situation. If you are not comfortable with the Registry, you may prefer the other launch options further down.

Set S Files Pro X as the default

  1. Open Settings (Ctrl+P).
  2. Go to Experimental.
  3. Click Set S Files Pro X as the Default File Explorer.

From then on, folders opened by other apps, drives, and the Win+E shortcut open in S Files Pro X. For example, Show in folder in your web browser’s downloads list opens the folder in S Files.

If S Files Pro X is already running, the folder opens as a new tab in that window. If it is not running, the app starts with your saved tabs plus a tab for the new folder.

Switch back to File Explorer

Open Settings > Experimental and click Reset Default File Explorer.

Other quick ways to open S Files Pro X

  • Run dialog or terminal: press Win+R and type sfiles. Add a path to open it in a new tab, for example sfiles C:\Users.
  • Links: sfiles: followed by a path, such as sfiles:C:\Users\, opens that folder in a new tab when typed in the Run dialog or a web browser.
  • Start with Windows: turn on Settings > Miscellaneous > AutoStart with Windows.
  • Taskbar: use Pin to Taskbar at the bottom of the bookmarks sidebar.

Questions? See the F.A.Q. or ask on Discord.

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