If you haven't already, you should try Total Commander for file navigation. It's similar to Notepad++ in that there's a long list of reasons why it's good at its task, but it's also just a very good example of what desktop Windows software can be like when it's done well.
TotalCommander is the first thing I install on every Windows, and main reason I can't get used to MacOs. Yes, there are some replacements, but nothing that's the same as TC.
Have you tried running it on wine? [1] I use it this way on Linux and, after adjusting my commands for running editors and start menu tools, everything runs smoothly.
Lifelong Total Commander user here as well. They're one of those few remaining legacy companies that haven't switched to subscriptions or jacked up prices, and continously release updates at their own pace without any drama.
In fact, I think it's just one guy - Christian Ghisler. Kudos to you, sir.
