TC4Shell

Handling various archive types often requires multiple tools, as certain formats might only be supported by specific apps. However, there is a bunch of software solutions that cover as much ground as possible when it comes to archive compatibility.

One of them is TC4Shell, a lightweight yet powerful program that can help you open virtually any archive on your computer as a regular folder.

One of the most notable capabilities of this application is that you can explore the contents of nearly any archive file like you would normally do with a regular folder. It is even possible to run executables straight from the archives, without having to extract them first.

This utility comes with complete shell integration so that you don't need launching extra windows in order to access the archives. You just right-click it, select the "Open in new window" option and carry on with your work.

Once you finish installing TC4Shell on your PC, you will be prompted with a window that asks you to select the extensions you want to open via Explorer. You can choose from a wide range of formats that are grouped into several categories such as Archives, Disk Images, Additional Archives, Additional Disk Images, Executables, Software Packages and Other.

After you are satisfied with your selection, you can click the "Apply" button. You can choose what plugin should be used when opening certain archive types by selecting the desired format and clicking the "Edit" button.

In case many of the archives you're working with have been password-protected, this app also offers you a built-in password manager, where you can add the passkeys and assign them aliases.

Accessing saved passwords can be done by either browsing the combo menu each time you open an encrypted archive and choosing it from there or set the application to apply saved keys automatically.

All things considered, if you want to open archive files on your PC like regular folders and handle their content just as easily, you might want to give TC4Shell a try. It features intuitive shell integration, supports an outstanding amount of formats and provides you with a built-in password manager that you can use with encrypted archives.