Total Commander
Two-pane file manager for Windows with FTP and archive tools
What is Total Commander?
Total Commander is a file manager for Windows from Ghisler Software that shows two file windows side by side. Beyond copying, moving and deleting files, it packs and unpacks archives, connects to FTP servers, compares files by content, synchronizes directories and renames files in bulk. The Windows version is shareware with a 30-day test period and a one-time licence priced in euros; the Android app is freeware.
Total Commander is a paid product with a free trial, starting at €42 one-time purchase, plus VAT where charged (Windows licence). See every plan
Good for
- Windows users who manage many files and prefer two panels to Explorer
- People who want FTP, archive handling and file comparison in one program
- Companies that want concurrent-use licences not tied to single computers
Worth knowing
- The Windows version is shareware: after 30 days you must order a licence (€42 plus VAT where charged) or delete the program.
- There is no native Mac or Linux version. The vendor suggests a Windows emulator on a Mac and says it runs on Linux with Wine.
- The price is set in euros and charged by an EU payment processor; the vendor warns of a possible 1-2.5% processing fee from your bank.
- The registration key is not instant: the order page says to allow about 1-2 business days for delivery.
Key features
- Two file windows side by side
- Shows two file panels next to each other for copying and moving between folders, with a tabbed interface, history and favorites buttons, thumbnails view and custom columns.
- Archive handling
- Packs and unpacks files, with handling for ZIP, 7ZIP, ARJ, LZH, RAR, UC2, TAR, GZ, CAB and ACE archives and further formats through plugins.
- Built-in FTP client
- Connects to FTP servers with FTPS (encrypted FTP) and HTTP proxy support, and includes a password manager for FTP and plugin connections.
- Compare and synchronize
- Compares files by content in a compare editor and synchronizes directories, including empty ones.
- Multi-rename tool and search
- Renames many files in one operation, and offers an enhanced search function, regular expressions and a quick file filter on Ctrl+S.
- Quick View panel
- A Quick View panel previews the selected file inside the program, including image and video display.
Total Commander pricing
- Starts at
- €42 one-time purchase, plus VAT where charged (Windows licence)
- Free plan
- None
- Free trial
- 30-day test period with the fully functional shareware version for Windows
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Total Commander for Android | €0 | Freeware app for smartphones and tablets running Android 2.2 or newer. |
| Total Commander for Windows | €42one-time purchase per user, plus VAT where charged | Registration key for the Windows version. One licence covers one person on any number of computers, and updates are free until further notice. |
Read from ghisler.com on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Total Commander before you buy.
Ways to pay less
- EducationStudent and pupil licence for €31.50
Students and pupils pay EUR 31.50 plus VAT, down from EUR 42, after emailing proof of study to get a rebate code. The licence is issued in the student's own name.
Stated on ghisler.com - Lifetime licenseLicence with no time limit and free updates
Single- and multi-user licences are valid for an unlimited time. The vendor says all updates have been free for registered users since version 1.0, until further notice.
Stated on ghisler.com
Total Commander alternatives
- Total Commander vs Directory Opus
Free trial · from $89 one-time
- Total Commander vs Files
Free plan · from $12.99 one-time
- Total Commander vs ForkLift
Free trial · from $19.95 one-time
- Total Commander vs Path Finder
Free trial · from $2.95/mo
Common questions
Is Total Commander free?
No, Total Commander is a paid product, but you can try it first. 30-day test period with the fully functional shareware version for Windows.
How much does Total Commander cost?
Total Commander lists 2 plans. Total Commander for Android: €0. Total Commander for Windows: €42 one-time purchase per user, plus VAT where charged. Prices were read from ghisler.com on Oct 6, 2026.
What platforms does Total Commander work on?
Total Commander is available on Windows and Android.
Does Total Commander offer any discounts?
Total Commander publicly lists the following: Student and pupil licence for €31.50; Licence with no time limit and free updates.
Does Total Commander have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Total Commander is listed for Windows and Android.
Does Total Commander have a macOS app?
No macOS app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. Total Commander is listed for Windows and Android.
Is Total Commander open source?
Total Commander is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 6, 2026.
Does Total Commander have a student discount?
Student and pupil licence for €31.50. Students and pupils pay EUR 31.50 plus VAT, down from EUR 42, after emailing proof of study to get a rebate code. The licence is issued in the student's own name.
Who makes Total Commander?
Total Commander is made by Ghisler Software GmbH.
What are the alternatives to Total Commander?
The closest alternatives to Total Commander in our directory are Directory Opus, Files, ForkLift and Path Finder. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with Total Commander.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.