You are halfway through copying a project's files when you realise the source and destination are in two different Explorer windows, and you have lost track of which is which. WinNc is a file manager that keeps both locations side by side in one window, in the style of the old Norton Commander.
Quick facts
- Version: 11.6.0.0 (64-bit build, with a 32-bit build also offered)
- Platforms: Windows 11, and downward compatible with Windows 10
- Price: single-user registration is listed at 29.95 euros
- Trial: the free version runs for an unlimited number of days, and you can register at any time
- Languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Norwegian, Swedish, Russian, Danish, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Polish, Czech, Hungarian and Dutch
Key features
Two panels and tabs, so you can organise work by project
The dual panel layout follows Norton Commander, and the tabbed interface lets you group your data by project. You can also create virtual links to files and folders from different places on your disk.
Colour-coded actions show what a file is doing
File actions use logical colours. Green means a file is being copied, orange means it is being moved, and yellow means it is being packed. You can set the maximum parallel tasks above one to run several jobs at once. At one, WinNc waits for the previous action to finish before it starts the next.
Quick Access jumps to folders you used before
WinNc keeps track of folders where you have worked. Click the Quick Access icon or press the spacebar, then type part of a name such as 'windows' or 'download'. Matches appear ordered by rank. You can mark frequent folders as favourites with the blue star and add search tags to them.
Everyday file jobs and extras in one tool
Beyond copy, move, delete, compress, decompress and create links, WinNc offers audio conversion, DVD and CD burning, ISO file creation and file synchronisation. It can also turn a zip file into a self-extracting .exe.
Built-in viewers for quick media browsing
A file viewer covers the popular formats. There is also a slideshow viewer, an audio player and a video player, so you can skim through media without opening another program.
Who it's for
WinNc suits you if you move a lot of files between folders, drives or network locations and find a single Explorer window too limiting. It is also a good fit if you already know Norton Commander and want that layout on a current version of Windows. If you only open and rename the odd file, Explorer is probably enough for you.
Pros and cons
Pros
- The trial has no time limit, so you can judge it in real work.
- Dual panels, tabs and colour-coded actions make it easy to see what is happening.
- It includes burning, ISO handling, synchronisation and self-extracting archives, so you need fewer separate tools.
- It is available in many languages.
Cons
- Registration is needed to unlock the options panel for more features and customisation.
- Live updates over the internet, and mail and help desk support, are for registered users only.
- The classic dual-panel approach takes some getting used to if you are used to Explorer.
- It is aimed at current Windows. Older Windows versions are no longer the target.
FAQs
Can I try WinNc before paying?
Yes. The trial version runs for an unlimited number of days, and you can register whenever you like.
What do I get when I register?
You get mail support and help desk access. You also unlock the options panel for more features and customisation, and you can live-update your version through the internet.
Is there a 32-bit version?
Yes. A 32-bit build is offered alongside the 64-bit one.
Do I have to pay again if I own an older version?
Users of versions 5 to 10 can upgrade to version 11 for free, and the existing key stays valid. Users of versions 1 to 4.8 can upgrade for 10 euros.
Can I buy several licences?
Yes. Multiple and company licences are available, and there is a volume discount.
System requirements
- Operating system: Windows 11, and downward compatible with Windows 10
- Builds: 64-bit and 32-bit