Folder Guide (via Download Squad) provides quick access to Windows folders that have been added to the software program. It acts pretty much like a new entry to the right-click context menu which becomes available on the Desktop, in Windows Explorer and Open/Save/Browse dialog windows.

The Windows folders that have been added that way can be opened with only two clicks no matter where they are located on the hard drive. One benefit of Folder Guide is that the application itself is only running during configuration of the Windows folders that are added to it which means it does not add another icon to the system tray or use up valuable computer memory.

New Folders can also be added to the application by right-clicking the folder and selecting Add To Folder Guide from the menu. This makes it easy and comfortable to add all Windows Folders that are updated regularly to the software.

A similar program to add Windows Folders as favorites is Direct Folders which has been covered before at Ghacks.

Direct Folders adds a double-click menu that gives the user access to folders,files and recent documents that he has added to the application before. The system is so simple that I would call it brilliant. A double-click opens the Direct Folders menu when you are in Windows Explorer, Windows desktop or a file browsing dialog (like Save or Load) and opens a folder or file with just another click.

Several items can be added to the menu. First of all direct access to folders and files can be added on the main level. Separators can be used to visualize folder categories or add a break between folders and files. Last but not least subfolders can be created that add another level to the menu meaning in return that you need another action to access the folders or files contained within.

Several other file related settings can be changed in Direct Folder. The default size of the file dialogs windows can be changed to an appropriate size as well as the default viewing mode (Thumbnails, Icons, Details, Tiles and List), the sort order (Name, Size, Type and Date) and if it should be ascending or descending.

The folder and file favorites as well as the recent documents can also be accessed by shortcuts. The default shortcuts are Windows Q for the Favorites and Windows W for the recent documents.

A pro version is available as well which adds several new functions like information about the size of a drive, the ability to set default folders for any application and an option to customize folder icons.