When most Windows users think about handling files and folders, the default approach is to reach for File Explorer. This familiar graphical tool has defined the way we interact with our operating system for decades—leading some to assume it is irreplaceable. Yet lately, a new breed of file management solutions is challenging that assumption, offering dramatically different workflows centered on speed, efficiency, and raw keyboard power. Among these tools, Yazi stands out: a terminal-first file manager, focused on delivering blisteringly fast navigation and advanced features for power users. But does ditching File Explorer for a terminal-first solution make sense for most users? And what do you gain—or lose—by making the switch? This deep dive explores the philosophy, workflow, and real-world strengths and weaknesses of using Yazi as your main file manager on Windows.
File management is one area of Windows where almost every user eventually wishes for “something better.” Microsoft’s default File Explorer, for all its improvements over the years, has developed a reputation for clunkiness, resource heaviness, and occasional instability—especially when dealing with large batches of files, network directories, or convoluted search operations. As a result, a cottage industry of third-party managers has thrived. Some, like XYplorer and Directory Opus, provide a familiar GUI but with more powerful features: dual panes, custom scripting, batch renaming, or tabbed browsing. Others, like Files and File Pilot, aim to modernize the look and feel, or bring new design concepts to the table.
Yet all these GUI-first explorers bump up against the same limits: heavy dependence on mouse input, slow rendering when directories are large or complex, and periodic breakdowns when the graphical shell falters. It’s little wonder that a growing segment of Windows users—especially those with Unix backgrounds or coding experience—are looking for something different altogether: a workflow where the keyboard reigns and every operation feels instantaneous.
Yazi takes inspiration from legendary command-line file managers like Ranger and fzf. Upon startup, the default interface is clean and fast, using nearly no system resources and rapidly rendering the contents of any directory—even those containing thousands of files. Critically, Yazi does not try to hijack your system or forcibly replace File Explorer. It exists as a supplemental tool: one you can open and use for advanced or rapid navigation, then instantly close when you’re done, with virtually no memory footprint left behind.
Because Yazi is written in Rust and delivered as a statically compiled binary, it is extremely light on dependencies. Launching the app on a standard Windows 11 laptop (even one configured with bleeding-edge settings) demonstrates this lightweight footprint: startup is nearly instantaneous and the program consumes a fraction of the resources typically demanded by File Explorer or competing GUI-based alternatives.
To maximize productivity, users are encouraged to embrace the utility's plugin management command “ya,” which launches a command-line interface within Yazi for managing add-ons, scripts, and external asset integrations. These extend the core file manager’s capabilities, enabling anything from custom sort orders to visual previews and beyond.
Dual-pane managers like XYplorer or Directory Opus deliver unmatched GUI-based multitasking, but at the cost of system resources and (in some cases) steeper licensing fees. Yazi, as a free/open-source project, avoids these issues while occupying the niche of lean, rapid, scriptable file navigation.
Ultimately, the best file manager is often the one that fits the user’s habits and workload. For basic users or those managing pictures and documents, GUI tools still hold the advantage of familiarity and intuitive access. But for developers, IT admins, and anyone craving faster navigation and batch operations, terminal-first solutions like Yazi are rapidly making their case. It’s no small statement when users—echoing countless tech forums and reviews—say, “I’m never looking back.”
What's more, Yazi’s configuration files (typically YAML or TOML based) are both human-readable and easy to share. Community-driven repositories on GitHub offer starter configs, themes, and ready-made scripts for everything from media management to developer-centric toolchains. This “hacker-friendly” ethos is a major appeal for those coming from Linux or Unix backgrounds, and is driving Yazi’s rapid adoption in open-source circles.
The project’s open-source status not only reassures users about long-term sustainability, but also invites user contributions. Feature requests are regularly incorporated, and power users are encouraged to fork, hack, and improve the core experience for specialized needs.
Whether Yazi becomes your daily driver or a go-to auxiliary tool will depend on your workflow and willingness to master a handful of shortcuts and scripts. Beginners will encounter challenges but may ultimately benefit from the hybrid keyboard/mouse interface and helpful onboarding documentation. Power users and programmers will find themselves turbocharged, discovering a level of responsiveness and flexibility long missing from the default Windows experience.
For most, the optimal setup is not to “ditch” File Explorer outright, but to add Yazi to the toolbox: supplementing traditional, mouse-based browsing with fast, scriptable, keyboard-first power. In the rapidly evolving landscape of Windows file management, that may be the perfect balance.
Cautionary Note: As with any tool that exposes direct file operations, it is strongly advised to experiment cautiously at first. Back up important data, review commands carefully, and familiarize yourself with the available confirmation and trash/recovery features before embarking on mass file operations. The power of Yazi is matched only by its potential for rapid, irreversible changes; prudent use is key to unlocking its full potential without mishap.
Source: XDA I ditched Windows Explorer for a terminal-first file manager, and I’m never looking back
Rethinking File Management: The Age of Alternatives
File management is one area of Windows where almost every user eventually wishes for “something better.” Microsoft’s default File Explorer, for all its improvements over the years, has developed a reputation for clunkiness, resource heaviness, and occasional instability—especially when dealing with large batches of files, network directories, or convoluted search operations. As a result, a cottage industry of third-party managers has thrived. Some, like XYplorer and Directory Opus, provide a familiar GUI but with more powerful features: dual panes, custom scripting, batch renaming, or tabbed browsing. Others, like Files and File Pilot, aim to modernize the look and feel, or bring new design concepts to the table.Yet all these GUI-first explorers bump up against the same limits: heavy dependence on mouse input, slow rendering when directories are large or complex, and periodic breakdowns when the graphical shell falters. It’s little wonder that a growing segment of Windows users—especially those with Unix backgrounds or coding experience—are looking for something different altogether: a workflow where the keyboard reigns and every operation feels instantaneous.
Enter Yazi: The Terminal-First Disruptor
Yazi is, at its core, a reimagining of file management for the modern terminal. Written in Rust, itself a language renowned for its speed and safety, the app promises not just to rival, but to demolish File Explorer’s sluggishness. Launching Yazi opens not a GUI window, but a minimalist, text-focused environment resembling the power user tools of Linux and BSD. Everything—from browsing folders and selecting files, to searching with regular expressions or filtering by type—can be performed without taking your hands off the keyboard.Yazi takes inspiration from legendary command-line file managers like Ranger and fzf. Upon startup, the default interface is clean and fast, using nearly no system resources and rapidly rendering the contents of any directory—even those containing thousands of files. Critically, Yazi does not try to hijack your system or forcibly replace File Explorer. It exists as a supplemental tool: one you can open and use for advanced or rapid navigation, then instantly close when you’re done, with virtually no memory footprint left behind.
Installation and Compatibility
Yazi is built for cross-platform use and runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Installation on Windows is straightforward via downloads from its official GitHub repository—a major hub for open-source software deployment. According to both the project documentation and independent testing, installation packages offer support for recent builds of Windows 10 and Windows 11, with no sign of instability or compatibility issues in the latest releases. There is no need for administrative privileges for basic installation, though advanced integration with PowerShell or shell extensions may require elevated permissions.Because Yazi is written in Rust and delivered as a statically compiled binary, it is extremely light on dependencies. Launching the app on a standard Windows 11 laptop (even one configured with bleeding-edge settings) demonstrates this lightweight footprint: startup is nearly instantaneous and the program consumes a fraction of the resources typically demanded by File Explorer or competing GUI-based alternatives.
Learning Curve: Keyboard Shortcuts, CLI Power, and Initial Friction
The main difference between Yazi and File Explorer presents itself instantly: mouse input, while supported, is strictly optional. Almost every function can be performed via keyboard shortcut. For users not already steeped in command-line or Vim-like interfaces, there is an undeniable learning curve. Navigation between directories relies on arrow keys; opening files defaults to the “O” key; searching by filename uses the “fd” command, while recursive content search employs “rg.” Renaming a file or folder is as simple as pressing “Y” followed by the new name. Batch selecting files across directories, filtering lists, and jumping between folders are all designed to minimize friction once the keymap is memorized.To maximize productivity, users are encouraged to embrace the utility's plugin management command “ya,” which launches a command-line interface within Yazi for managing add-ons, scripts, and external asset integrations. These extend the core file manager’s capabilities, enabling anything from custom sort orders to visual previews and beyond.
Bridging the User Gap
Thankfully, Yazi does not rigidly enforce a keyboard-only paradigm. Recognizing that some tasks are simply easier with a pointer, the developers included mouse support for basic operations: selecting, dragging, opening files or folders, and context menus. This hybrid approach allows even CLI newcomers to ease into the tool—though the full power unlocks only with keyboard mastery.Performance: Speed, Asynchronous Operations, and System Resource Efficiency
If File Explorer’s Achilles' heel is its performance under load, Yazi’s greatest strength is its snappy responsiveness. Independent benchmarks and user testimonials consistently highlight the following advantages:- Asynchronous Architecture: Yazi operates using an Async model, processing most file system interactions in the background. This means navigating deep, complex directories or rapidly searching for files never locks the UI. Where File Explorer might freeze or stall (sometimes requiring a force-restart), Yazi continues to operate smoothly.
- Minimal Resource Usage: System monitoring tools reveal Yazi uses dramatically less RAM and CPU than GUI file managers—even with several large directories open at once. The absence of heavy graphics rendering, thumbnail loading, or background indexing makes for an agile user experience.
- Instantaneous Search: Because Yazi leverages command-line search tools (“fd” for filenames, “rg” for content), its discovery operations are immediate, even on sprawling file systems. Advanced users can further refine results with powerful filter or regular expression syntax.
Minimalism Meets Multitasking: The Interface and Advanced Features
Yazi’s beauty lies less in polish than in purity. Its interface is stark and focused: columns of files and folders, minimal or no icons, and a persistent status bar reflecting the current path, filter, or selection status.Multitasking and Advanced Tools
Despite this minimalism, Yazi boasts an impressive list of features targeted at serious users:- Batch Renaming: Multiple files or folders can be selected and renamed in a single operation, dramatically speeding up organization.
- Multi-Tab and Cross-Directory Selection: Like modern web browsers, Yazi supports tabs for keeping multiple directories open. Selecting files across tabs is seamless, aiding in large copy/move tasks.
- Previews: A powerful preview pane displays image thumbnails, PDF contents, videos, and even plain text—leveraging cross-platform image rendering standards (Kitty Unicode placeholders, iTerm2 inline images, Sixel graphics, etc.).
- Plugin Architecture: Through the “ya” tool, users can manage plugins, install new packages (even directly from subdirectories of a monorepo), and deeply customize their workflow.
- Appearance Customization: The color scheme, borders, and interface chrome are all tweakable either through built-in settings or plugin packages. This means Yazi can feel at home in any terminal setup, from dark themed PowerShell overlays to minimalist, distraction-free X terminals.
- Mouse Flexibility: For those moments where drag-and-drop simply makes sense, all major file operations support mouse input—even in the terminal.
Strengths: Why Yazi Deserves Your Attention
A critical analysis of Yazi—as both a product and a philosophy—reveals several tangible strengths that could flip even skeptical users into terminal fans:1. Unmatched Performance
Yazi’s performance advantages over File Explorer aren’t trivial. For users regularly working with large batches of files, deep directory trees, or complex search queries, the difference is dramatic. Where Explorer is prone to lag or full-system stalls—especially during network hiccups or mass file operations—Yazi feels fluid and resistant to freezing. This matters not just for professional workloads, but for anyone who values a frustration-free file browsing experience.2. Keyboard-Centric Efficiency
Once mastered, Yazi’s keyboard shortcuts enable navigation and manipulation tasks at lightning speed—a night-and-day difference from point-and-click GUIs. This speed translates directly into productivity. For programmers, sysadmins, and IT professionals especially, the ability to whip through file structures, launch batch operations, and script automations is invaluable.3. Resource Lightness and Stability
Yazi’s lean architecture means even older hardware benefits from its efficiency. The risk of resource saturation (a frequent complaint with icon-heavy GUI tools) is nearly eliminated. Even during extended sessions, it rarely needs to be restarted, in stark contrast to File Explorer’s regular crashes on troubled systems.4. Modern Extensibility
With its plugin-driven approach and terminal agnosticism, Yazi is built to evolve. Unlike File Explorer, whose capabilities rarely change outside major OS updates, Yazi gains new tricks every release via community plugins, direct scripting, and customizable configuration files. Its presence and priority within Windows developer communities has grown appreciably over the past year, due in part to its vibrant open-source ecosystem.Notable Risks and Weaknesses: Is Terminal-First File Management for Everyone?
Yet for all its strengths, Yazi is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Like any disruptive technology, it introduces new complexities and pain points—especially for those not already comfortable with the command-line paradigm.1. Steep Learning Curve
For casual Windows users, Yazi’s dependence on keyboard shortcuts and terminal navigation can be daunting. Remembering dozens of combinations, toggling filters, or managing plugins via CLI is a roadblock for those used to simply clicking through directories. Although mouse support softens this challenge, full fluency demands practice, and initial onboarding is notably slower compared to plug-and-play GUI managers.2. Potentially Limited Integration
One of Yazi’s strengths—its minimalist independence from the Windows shell—is also a weakness. Because it doesn't deeply integrate with Explorer’s right-click context menus, network places, or shell extensions, users may need to bounce back to the GUI for highly specific tasks, such as interacting with certain cloud storage solutions or applying OS-native file tags. While plugins may fill some gaps, not every Explorer extension or third-party file tool is directly accessible from the terminal.3. Niche Focus
While Yazi excels as a supplemental, “power session” tool, few users will want to rely on it exclusively for all file management tasks—at least not at first. As some power users have pointed out, it’s less suited for extended, all-day file browsing, photo tagging, or elaborate drag-and-drop workflows compared to tools like XYplorer or Directory Opus. For most, it’s an accelerator and optimizer rather than a total replacement.4. Risk of Data Loss With Command-Line Mistakes
As with any tool that exposes low-level file operations via fast commands, there is always a risk that a hasty input or botched command could delete or move large batches of files irreversibly. While Yazi includes a “trash” feature and optional confirmation dialogs, users should be aware of the heightened risk and exercise caution—much as they would in a Unix shell.Comparative Analysis: Yazi vs. Modern GUI Alternatives
It’s instructive to compare Yazi with its contemporaries. The Files app, a favorite among those looking for a modern, UWP-style successor to classic File Explorer, delivers an appealing aesthetic and some excellent features—tabs, themes, integration with the latest Windows APIs. However, Files is still bound by the performance limitations and occasional bugs of the Windows GUI shell. It cannot match Yazi’s speed, especially with large directories or batch operations.Dual-pane managers like XYplorer or Directory Opus deliver unmatched GUI-based multitasking, but at the cost of system resources and (in some cases) steeper licensing fees. Yazi, as a free/open-source project, avoids these issues while occupying the niche of lean, rapid, scriptable file navigation.
Ultimately, the best file manager is often the one that fits the user’s habits and workload. For basic users or those managing pictures and documents, GUI tools still hold the advantage of familiarity and intuitive access. But for developers, IT admins, and anyone craving faster navigation and batch operations, terminal-first solutions like Yazi are rapidly making their case. It’s no small statement when users—echoing countless tech forums and reviews—say, “I’m never looking back.”
Customization, Scripting, and Ecosystem Growth
Yazi’s plugin and scripting architecture marks a major departure from both File Explorer and most GUI competitors. With simple “ya pack” commands, users can add, remove, or update customized packages, including niche file type previews, custom sorting logic, or integrations with build systems. Scriptable hooks allow for automation of repetitive tasks—moving sets of files based on type, running batch conversion scripts, compressing archives, or scheduling folder syncs across remote servers.What's more, Yazi’s configuration files (typically YAML or TOML based) are both human-readable and easy to share. Community-driven repositories on GitHub offer starter configs, themes, and ready-made scripts for everything from media management to developer-centric toolchains. This “hacker-friendly” ethos is a major appeal for those coming from Linux or Unix backgrounds, and is driving Yazi’s rapid adoption in open-source circles.
Support, Community, and Ongoing Development
Unlike proprietary managers that may languish for months between updates, Yazi benefits from an active, responsive development cycle. Bugs are fixed quickly; plugins and features arrive with regular cadence. Official support pages and a burgeoning Reddit/Discord community mean that even stumped beginners can find help fast. Documentation, while still maturing, is already ahead of many CLI competitors, with clear instructions, shortcut charts, and troubleshooting guides.The project’s open-source status not only reassures users about long-term sustainability, but also invites user contributions. Feature requests are regularly incorporated, and power users are encouraged to fork, hack, and improve the core experience for specialized needs.
Key Takeaways and Who Should Switch
For any Windows user invested in improving their workflow speed, Yazi is worth serious consideration. Its minimalist, terminal-centric approach slashes the time and friction involved in everyday file navigation—especially for those dealing with huge directories, repetitive batch tasks, or complex file structures. While not a universal replacement for File Explorer or GUI-centric tools, it excels at what it sets out to do: bring the unmatched speed and efficiency of Unix-style navigation to the heart of Windows.Whether Yazi becomes your daily driver or a go-to auxiliary tool will depend on your workflow and willingness to master a handful of shortcuts and scripts. Beginners will encounter challenges but may ultimately benefit from the hybrid keyboard/mouse interface and helpful onboarding documentation. Power users and programmers will find themselves turbocharged, discovering a level of responsiveness and flexibility long missing from the default Windows experience.
For most, the optimal setup is not to “ditch” File Explorer outright, but to add Yazi to the toolbox: supplementing traditional, mouse-based browsing with fast, scriptable, keyboard-first power. In the rapidly evolving landscape of Windows file management, that may be the perfect balance.
Getting Started: How to Try Yazi Today
For those interested in experimenting, Yazi is freely available and easy to install from its GitHub repository. Community-contributed guides, shortcuts, and package recommendations can be found on its official support page and across developer forums. Take the plunge, try navigating your folders in a wholly new way, and discover for yourself what so many Windows power users are starting to realize: terminal-first file management might just be the next great productivity leap for the Windows ecosystem.Cautionary Note: As with any tool that exposes direct file operations, it is strongly advised to experiment cautiously at first. Back up important data, review commands carefully, and familiarize yourself with the available confirmation and trash/recovery features before embarking on mass file operations. The power of Yazi is matched only by its potential for rapid, irreversible changes; prudent use is key to unlocking its full potential without mishap.
Source: XDA I ditched Windows Explorer for a terminal-first file manager, and I’m never looking back
