You’re probably familiar with the default file managers on a MacBook or Windows PC.
For Macs, it’s Finder, while for Windows PCs, it’s File Explorer.
Each file manager has unique features, some good and some not so much.
While Finder and File Explorer deliver similar functions, they are quite different in many aspects.
Do these differences mean one file manager is better than the other?
Let’s compare them to find out.
Finder is macOS’s native file management tool that allows you to access your Mac’s contents.
On the other hand, File Explorer, formerly Windows Explorer, is Microsoft Windows' equivalent of Finder.
Folders in Finder are sorted into several categories in the sidebar, includingFavorites,iCloud, andTags.
All files and applications on your Mac are in folders within these categories.
Your color-tagged items are underTags.
Besides color-tagging, you could create tags of your own.
Select a file, thenControl-click it.
Next, go toTags, throw in in a new tag, then selectCreate new tag.
Your new tag will appear in your sidebar under Tags.
Other categories besides This PC areOneDriveandQuick Access.
File Explorer displays your storage spaceDevices and drives, but Finder does not.
To find your storage space in macOS, you’d have to go toSettings > General > Storage.
Finder’s sidebar makes it appear more minimalist than File Explorer.
Alternatively, you could double-go for the folder.
Both actions reveal subfolders within the folder.
However, when you have many subfolders in your File Explorer’s navigation pane, it can appear cluttered.
But because Finder doesn’t have subfolders in its sidebar, it appears less busy than File Explorer.
Compared to the latter, Finder has a cleaner, relatively more appealing look.
Asides from the design, let’s dive into the features that truly set them apart.
Finder doesn’t have a default Video, Music, or Photos folder.
If you want to view your iCloud photos, you must use the Photos app.
Other images can be saved as documents in any folder within Finder.
Also, Finder places your screenshots in theDesktopfolder and recognizes them as documents.
In File Explorer, screenshots are in the defaultScreenshotsfolder found inPictures.
Tags are a category in Finder but not in File Explorer.
For more information, you’re free to learnhow to add tags to files in Windows 11.
Finder has an advantage over File Explorer thanks to its Quick Actions feature.
Quick Actions allows you to do certain things with a file, depending on the file key in.
Locating Files
Without file managers, searching for files on your laptop would be tedious.
Depending on the number of folders, you’d have to skim through multiple folders.
It could take a while.
When it comes to locating files, Finder is faster.
Finder and File Explorer use similar commands to pull up the search tool.
In File Explorer, pressingControl + Ftakes you to the search bar.
The more files you have, the longer it takes File Explorer to find the one you want.
However, looking for files and folders in File Explorer is slower than in Finder.
However, File Explorer does better when selecting multiple items using theShift key.
When you reach the end of the row, your selection carries on to the next.
These steps are a bit different on a Mac.
At the end of the row, you have to hold theShiftandDown Arrowkeys to continue to the next row.
Luckily, we’ve covered this in detail in a separate post.
So, feel free to read multiple files in Finder.
Deleting Files
Getting rid of files is a bit easier in File Explorer.
Alternatively, you canControl-click it and chooseMove to Trashor simply use the drag-and-drop feature to do the same.
Finder or File Explorer?
Whether Finder is better than File Explorer depends on what you think is most important regarding file managers.
In terms of speed and design, Finder undoubtedly delivers.
When it comes to navigation, File Explorer is easier to figure out.
In contrast, Finder might take some time to get used to for new users.
