Clover 3.5.4 / 3.0.406

Overview

If you want a complete liftover for Windows Explorer’s interface, then Clover will probably do the job. It works like an extension plugin for Windows, even though it installs like any other application. It embeds directly in Windows Explorer and changes the whole layout, adding multi-tab support, a feature long requested by Windows fans. It is also very simple, therefore any user will get familiar with it quickly.

Installation

The installation package is very small (about 2MB). No special settings are required, and right after installation finishes, the layout of Explorer will change immediately. It is completely clean from malware/spyware and doesn’t include any additional 3^rd party software.

The program supports Windows XP and all later versions of Windows, including Windows 8. It is compatible with both 32 and 64-bit operating systems.

Interface

Google Chrome users will really love this program, as it changes Explorer’s interface and makes it look exactly like Chrome. Now you can see tabs at the top of the window with rounded corners and a small button next to them for opening new tabs. Even the wrench button is in the bar, but the big difference with Google Chrome here is that it is located on the left side (before the tabs), in contrast to the browser, where it’s located on the right side. The bookmarks created are shown below the tab bar, for easier access.

Something else that you will have to get used to is that the file manager icon in the taskbar will be replaced by Clover’s icon.

Pros

It converts Windows file manager into a tabbed system beautifully. It resembles Google Chrome a lot and that’s why it’s loved by so many users. With Clover you won’t be able to open multiple folders into multiple windows, but everything opens in a new tab. People might think that this eliminates the drag & drop feature everyone has gotten used to, but that’s not correct; it still is available and works like before. The only difference now is that you drag the files to the tab you want and drop them there.

Keyboard shortcuts are supported as well. For example, CTRL + T opens up a new tab, CTRL + W closes the current one and CTRL + Tab switches between them. CTRL + D will add the current path to the bookmarks, which will show up as an icon below the tab bar.

For those who are worried about the system resources this program consumes, then it should be noted that it keeps CPU and RAM usage to very low levels.

Cons

No cons in this program. It works perfectly.

Alternatives

QTTabBar (free) is another program with the same purpose as Clover. In this case though, QTTabBar is more complex and has many more features. For instance, it allows you to change the colors of the tabs and assign icons to pinned tabs. You don't get, however, the Google Chrome feel that Clover provides.

Conclusion

It’s a really nice change for those who are bored with the same old look of Windows Explorer, or for those who are looking for something more efficient. Installing it will take almost no time, so give it a try and see how it looks. We're certainly sticking with it!