For actual file management, and generally working in the terminal, I'm firmly in the "two blue panes" club, so it's Far Manager on Windows (and Midnight Commander on Linux). Far is probably the most advanced text-mode file manager in general right now.

https://www.farmanager.com/screenshots.php?l=en

Compared to 15 years ago I think Explorer is much better now, it could be even called usable.

Nevertheless there are alternatives. One liked by many are Norton Commander alike file managers like Total Commander or even Far. I am not too much in favor of them though.

I like to use Directory Opus. It is powerful and flexible. Costs money though.

Directory Opus.

https://www.gpsoft.com.au/