IDEA: color file names by file type

[tmpusr]

...and by age, newest=brightest. And by using background colors. Just make it fully customizable.

You can have this in a good Console. Why not Explorer?

[lanux128]

this is a standard feature on most file managers & explorer replacements, maybe you want to try one, such as the often-praised - Total Commander..

here is one such thread in DC: 12 Windows Explorer Alternatives Compared.