Direct Folders for Windows

Faster access to folders you use most often

If you spend a lot of time navigating Windows to open or save files, Direct Folders can speed up that routine. It integrates with Windows Explorer and the system file dialogs so your most-used directories are just a click away, reducing the time spent hunting through folder trees.

Ways to open Direct Folders

• Double-click any empty space on the desktop, inside Explorer, or within an open/save dialog to pop up the Direct Folders menu.
• Click the program’s icon in the system tray to access the folder list and its tools.

Personalization and dialog improvements

Direct Folders lets you tailor the folder menu so it contains the locations you need most. From the settings you can:

• Pick which shortcuts appear on the left-side places bar in open/save dialogs.
• Arrange your favorite folders in the menu so they’re ready whenever a file dialog appears.
• Expand standard file dialogs temporarily to give you more viewing and selection space.

Drawbacks and editions

Some advanced capabilities are reserved for the paid edition, but the free release still provides a useful set of features and does not feel intentionally limited. For many users the freeware version noticeably speeds up file navigation and dialog handling.

Key advantages at a glance

• Custom places bar entries for faster jumping between locations.
• Larger, easier-to-use file dialog windows when needed.
• Instant access to commonly used folders right from Explorer or any file dialog.

Recent fixes and additions

• Added support for Total Commander 8.01rc4 integration.
• Fixed the display of the executable’s path for 64-bit applications.
• Corrected detection of currently open Explorer windows.
• Resolved automatic view mode selection for Windows Vista and 7.
• Added the ability to toggle “load at startup” without requiring administrator privileges.