**Replace File Explorer**: Winkey+E: Implementation of "Set as Default File Manager" for Windows Shell Redirection

[AMDphreak]

Feature Request: Native System-Level Shell Integration

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Description

Spacedrive currently requires manual registry manipulation or third-party key-mapping software (e.g., AutoHotkey) to override the default Windows + E shortcut and system-level folder calls. This request proposes a native toggle within the application settings to handle these hooks automatically.

Rationale

• User Friction: Manual modification of HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT is prone to error and may be reverted by Windows Updates.
• Consistency: Native integration ensures that Spacedrive opens not only via keyboard shortcuts but also when "Show in folder" is triggered by other applications (browsers, IDEs).
• Competitive Parity: Other file managers (Files v3, OneCommander) provide a one-click toggle for shell replacement.

Proposed Implementation

Add a System or Integration section within the Spacedrive Settings menu containing:

1. Default File Manager Toggle: * When enabled, the application should modify the following registry keys to point to the Spacedrive executable:

• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell\open\command
• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\open\command
• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\opennewwindow\command

2. Win + E Hijack: * An option to specifically intercept the Win + E hotkey via a low-level keyboard hook or by modifying HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.

Acceptance Criteria

• Enabling the toggle successfully redirects Win + E to a new Spacedrive window.
• Disabling the toggle restores the original Windows File Explorer paths.
• The application requests Administrative Privileges only when the toggle is flipped.
• Handled gracefully if Spacedrive is uninstalled while set as default.

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Would you like me to generate the pnpm command to check for any existing Spacedrive CLI tools that might facilitate this integration?