Explore Better v0.1.2

Explore Better v0.1.2

Explore Better is a fast dual-pane Windows file manager and an optional, reversible Explorer replacement. This release makes becoming the default file manager a clear first-run choice and extends normal Windows shell entry points without requiring the main app to run as administrator.

Highlights

• New first-run Use Explore Better choice in the packaged Electron app.
• New Integrate > Make Default and Restore Previous controls with visible status.
• Current-user handlers for normal folder opens, drives, folder backgrounds, and Open file location in Explore Better.
• File-location launches open the parent folder and select the requested file.
• Exact backup and restoration of previous registry values, including third-party handlers.
• Optional Win+E sign-in helper remains separate and unchecked by default.
• More reliable dynamic loopback port selection and packaged-app installation on busy Windows/OneDrive systems.
• Updated README and user manual with install, integration, rollback, and Windows limitations.

Install And Make Default

1. Download ExploreBetter-0.1.2-x64-setup.exe below.
2. Verify its SHA-256 against SHA256SUMS.txt.
3. Run the per-user installer; normal browsing and integration do not require administrator rights.
4. On first launch choose Use Explore Better, or later open Integrate and choose Make Default.
5. Optionally enable the Win+E helper. Choose Restore Previous at any time to undo the shell changes exactly.

Applications that ask the Windows shell to open a folder normally can be redirected. Programs that explicitly execute explorer.exe are hard-coded to Windows Explorer and cannot be redirected safely; Windows Explorer remains installed.

Important Signing Notice

This public preview is not Authenticode-signed because no trusted production certificate is available. Windows SmartScreen may report an unrecognized app. Only continue through More info and Run anyway after verifying the SHA-256 checksum.

Verification

• Real current-user install, folder open, file reveal, legacy-backup migration, and exact registry rollback: 12 pass, 0 fail.
• Security boundary: 10 pass, 0 fail.
• Default Explorer UI: 13 pass, 0 fail.
• Shell integration rehearsal: 13 pass, 0 fail.
• Packaged native helper: 8 pass, 0 fail.
• Release readiness: 31 pass, 0 warn, 0 fail.
• Release bundle: 18 pass, 0 warn, 0 fail.
• Public Windows CI: pass.
• Installer SHA-256: 2851cc5ab923a9a1bae9f5ee860c2be07d54b3fcd21812b50e99cc6d6d27d0a0.

Physical MTP phone/camera certification and trusted production signing remain outstanding external release proofs.