Self-Hosted / Projects / File Browser
File Browser
StableThe upstream repository is archived. It still runs, but expect no further fixes or security updates.
Specs verified September 26, 2026 · against vv2.63.23
Overview
Self-hosted web file manager for browsing and sharing a configured directory.
File Browser is a lightweight self-hosted web file manager that puts a browser interface over a directory on your server or homelab. It is closer to a simple private file portal than to a complete Google Drive or Nextcloud replacement.
Why people choose File Browser
The real use case is quick browser access to files without deploying a larger collaboration suite. The project supports common file-management actions such as uploads, deletion, previews, editing, and sharing while keeping the managed directory on infrastructure you control.
What is included
The official repository describes directory-scoped file management, user accounts, authentication, sharing, previews, editing, rules, branding, search-related components, and Docker deployment material. It can be useful for a small internal file portal, but the scope is intentionally narrower than a sync-and-collaboration platform.
Requirements and safety tradeoffs
File Browser needs access to the directory it manages plus persistent application data. The upstream repository is archived and warns that no further bug or security fixes are planned; it also documents unresolved command-execution and token-handling risks. If it must remain in service, keep command execution disabled, run it unprivileged, limit mounted paths, put it behind a reverse proxy with additional authentication, and do not expose it directly to the internet.
Best fit
Use File Browser mainly for an existing installation, a controlled internal network, or a short-lived lightweight file portal after a security review. For a new internet-facing deployment or active collaboration, compare maintained options such as Nextcloud, Seafile, or ownCloud.
Interface previews
Screenshots of the File Browser interface.
Feature support
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Browser-based file managementThe official repository describes a web interface for a specified directory. | Supported |
| Upload, delete, preview, and edit filesThese actions are listed in the official project description. | Supported |
| File sharingSharing is part of the project scope; apply restrictive permissions before external use. | Supported |
| User accounts and authenticationThe repository includes users and authentication components. | Supported |
| Directory-scoped accessThe service is directed at a configured directory rather than the whole host filesystem. | Supported |
| Docker deploymentThe official repository includes Dockerfiles and a compose file. | Supported |
| Command runner and hooksThe feature exists but the official security guidance says it has unresolved vulnerabilities and should remain disabled. | Partial support |
| Active upstream maintenanceThe official repository is archived and states that there will be no further releases, bug fixes, or security fixes. | Not supported |
Community signals
- Stars
- 35.9k
- Forks
- 4.1k
- Open issues
- 0
- Last commit
- 2mo ago
- Latest release
- v2.63.23
- Repo created
- Sep 2015
Includes open pull requests
3mo ago
Refreshed nightly from the GitHub API.
Questions
What is File Browser used for?
File Browser is used to manage files from a web browser, including browsing, uploads, deletion, previews, editing, and sharing within a configured directory.
Is File Browser a Nextcloud alternative?
Only for the narrow web file-manager use case. Nextcloud adds sync, collaboration, apps, and a broader private-cloud platform.
Is File Browser still maintained?
No. The official GitHub repository is archived and states that no further releases, bug fixes, or security fixes are planned.
Is File Browser safe to expose to the internet?
The official security guidance says not to expose it directly to the internet. If it must remain deployed, use a reverse proxy with TLS and additional authentication, run it unprivileged, limit the mounted directory, and keep command execution disabled.
Can File Browser run in Docker?
Yes. The official repository contains Docker deployment files. Persist the managed directory and application data, and use least-privilege mounts.
Does File Browser replace desktop file sync?
Not by itself. It provides browser-based file management; dedicated sync platforms are a better fit when multi-device synchronization and collaboration are core requirements.
What should replace File Browser for a new deployment?
Compare maintained file platforms such as Nextcloud, Seafile, or ownCloud based on whether you need sync, sharing, collaboration, and current security maintenance.
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