Many users who use the powerful file‑management features of ES File Explorer on their Android devices also want an official desktop version. The keyword “ES File Explorer for PC” shows up a lot because people look for a seamless desktop experience. In this guide explains the true status of ES File Explorer for PC, show workarounds, and talk about the key security concerns everyone should know.
So to start: there is no official, standalone ES File Explorer for PC application made by the original developers (EStrongs / ES Global) for Windows or macOS. The app was built from the ground up as a feature‑rich Android file manager. The desktop packages you’ll find on third‑party sites or even in platform stores (like the Microsoft Store) are usually imitators — they’re often rebranded tools or simple Windows file managers that try to use the “ES File Explorer” name to attract downloads. So if you’re searching for the PC Version, you must proceed with caution and verify the source before installing anything.
Method 1: Running ES File Explorer on PC via Android Emulator
Since there is no native ES File Explorer for PC version, one common way to use the actual Android app on your computer is via an Android emulator. This method creates a virtual Android environment within your Windows or Mac system.
Step‑by‑Step: Installing an Emulator and the ES APK
Here’s how you can do it to get something like ES File Explorer for Windows 10 or 11:
- Select an Emulator: Download and install a trusted Android emulator (for example, BlueStacks, Nox Player, or LDPlayer). Many experts suggest BlueStacks for a good balance of features and stability.
- Emulator Setup: After installing the emulator, complete its setup. This usually includes linking a Google account so you can access the Google Play Store.
- Install ES File Explorer:
- Option A (Recommended): In the emulator’s Google Play Store, search for “ES File Explorer” and install it.
- Option B (Advanced): If the app isn’t on the Play Store or you have a specific APK, download the official ES File Explorer APK from a safe source onto your computer. Then use the emulator’s “Install APK” function to load it.
- Configuration: Configure the emulator’s shared‑folder settings. This is a key step: you link a particular folder on your PC (for example a folder called “Shared Files”) to a folder inside the virtual Android environment. That way your “ES File Explorer for PC environment” can access files on your Windows machine via the emulator.
Is This Method Worth the Effort?
Yes, it works — but also know the drawbacks:
- Resource Drain: Emulators use a lot of system resources. On older or weaker PCs you may get slowdowns.
- Performance: The experience will often feel slower than a native desktop application.
- Safety Risk: If you use an older APK, or one from an untrusted source, you take on a security risk (see the next section on vulnerabilities).
- Not Truly “PC” Native: You are still running an Android app inside a virtual environment — it’s not a true Windows or macOS native version of ES File Explorer for PC.
In short: if you have a strong PC and you really like the Android app, this method is fine. But for many users it won’t feel as smooth as a native desktop tool.
Method 2: Using ES File Explorer to Access Your PC Files (FTP/SMB)
If your goal is simply to use this app to manage files on your PC from your Android device, rather than running ES File Explorer for PC on your computer, then the app’s built‑in networking features are ideal. This offers a very efficient way to get file access without installing an emulator.
Configuring ES File Explorer to View PC Shares
Here’s how to set it up for Android → PC file management:
- On your Windows PC, make sure Network Discovery is turned on and share the folder(s) you want to manage over the local network.
- On your Android device, open ES File Explorer → go to the “Network” section → choose “LAN” or “FTP”.
- Add a new server: tap “New” (or similar) to create a connection.
- Enter your PC’s local IP address and the username/password for your Windows account or a dedicated network‑sharing account.
- Once connected, ES File Explorer on your Android can browse, copy, move and delete files on your PC. This gives you a good “ES File Explorer for PC”‑like access (although still using the mobile device). It’s great for wireless transfers, quick file management, etc.
This method avoids the heavy emulator setup and uses your Android device to manage PC files instead of trying to bring the mobile app to PC — which is often easier and faster.
The Security and Safety Warning for ES File Explorer
The search term “ES File Explorer for PC” often links to security concerns, and for good reason. It’s vital to understand the background of this app and the risks.
Historical Vulnerabilities: The Hidden Web Server Flaw
A major vulnerability was found in ES File Explorer on Android. In one example, version 4.1.9.7.4 (and earlier) allowed attackers on the same Wi‑Fi network to access all files on the device, download data, and even launch installed apps — without authentication. This was catalogued as CVE‑2019‑6447.
Researchers showed that the app opened TCP port 59777 and listened for commands.
Another vulnerability found was listed as CVE‑2019‑11380, which allowed attackers to bypass master passwords and gain remote FTP access. (While I could not fetch full public details in my quick check, multiple sources refer to generic remote access risk.)
Because of these issues, running older or sideloaded APKs of ES File Explorer carries a real risk. Some versions may not incorporate the fixes. Thus, using the app on a PC via emulator does not remove all potential risks — you still need to consider the version, permissions, network context, and how you share files.
Expert Recommendation: Stay Safe
Here are important safety steps if you use ES File Explorer for PC:
- Always ensure you are running the latest version available — preferably via a trustworthy app store.
- Understand the risk when you sideload APKs, especially “desktop” or “PC” versions from unknown sources.
- Pay attention to the permissions granted to any file manager. A file manager with lots of permissions plus known vulnerabilities is a bigger risk.
- If you enable remote access (FTP, SMB, LAN), restrict it. Use strong passwords and avoid using it on public or unsecured Wi‑Fi networks.
- Consider isolating file‑sharing in a secured network or even dedicated virtual machine if you treat it like a PC file manager.
- Check whether a given version has known fixed vulnerabilities (for example the fix for CVE‑2019‑6447 was integrated in later versions).
you can make ES File Explorer work in a PC‑style usage, but you must be careful about where you got it, how you run it, and what you connect it to.
Best Alternatives to ES File Explorer for PC
Since a true, native version of ES File Explorer for PC does not exist, and since the emulator method might be clunky or risky, the best long‑term solution is to use a dedicated, native desktop file manager. These tools match or exceed the main strengths of ES File Explorer (network access, dual‑pane interfaces, cloud support) and work directly on Windows or macOS.
Top Alternatives
- Total Commander (for Windows): For users wanting a feature‑for‑feature replacement for “ES File Explorer for PC” power, Total Commander is a leading choice. It offers a classic dual‑pane file manager window, integrated FTP client, tabs, batch‑renaming tools.
- Directory Opus (for Windows): Often seen as the most advanced file manager for Windows. It offers high customization, dual‑pane or multi‑pane views, built‑in FTP/SFTP, image viewers, scripting. It provides a strong and more secure alternative to running ES via emulator.
- FreeCommander (for Windows, free option): FreeCommander gives you essential dual‑pane file‑manager functionality, full network access (FTP/SFTP) and archive handling (ZIP, RAR, 7Z). It’s an excellent, powerful and freely available option instead of a non‑existent ES File Explorer for PC program.
- For Mac users: You can look at tools like ForkLift or Commander One which provide network & file‑transfer features similar to what you’d expect from ES.
These native tools allow you to skip the emulator hassle, reduce security risk, and get better performance.
Should You Use ES File Explorer for PC?
The popularity of the search term “ES File Explorer for PC” is understandable — the Android app offers rich features, and many wish to have the same power on desktop. However:
- There is no official desktop version of ES File Explorer for PC from the original developers.
- Running it via an emulator works, but it comes with performance and resource drawbacks.
- Using old APKs or unknown versions carries real security risks (see the vulnerabilities above).
- A native desktop file manager will give better performance, stability, and security than trying to force the mobile app onto the PC.
So experts recommendation is to use the ES File Explorer Android app only for its intended mobile purpose. If you want file management on your PC, choose a dedicated desktop file manager (like Total Commander or Directory Opus) instead of looking for ES File Explorer for PC. If you must access PC files via the this tool, use the network share method (Method 2) from your Android device — that gives you much of the benefit with fewer risks.