TheBrain, formerly branded PersonalBrain, is a mind mapping and personal knowledge base software application from TheBrain Technologies. It uses a dynamic graphical interface that maps hierarchical and network relationships. It includes the ability to add links to Web pages and files as well as notes and events using a built-in calendar. It is available for Windows and Mac OS X on desktop, with mobile versions for Android and iOS. It is available as a free edition as well as commercial editions with additional features.
MacLife described it as "the most compelling computer adaptation of mind mapping we've encountered".
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What is TheBrain?
TheBrain by TheBrain Technologies is proprietary Windows software in the file managers & search category. It ranks 32nd by popularity among file managers & search in this catalogue. It is written in C#. Besides Windows, it is available for cross-platform.
Installation and requirements
The publisher provides EXE (NSIS) installers for 64-bit Windows. The main installer is 239.8 MB. It can be installed for the current user only, without administrator rights. A silent install is possible with the installer’s documented switches.
Updates and version history
The current version is 15.0.647, released on October 24, 2026. The version history goes back to October 25, 2025: 15 releases, all linked to the official files. The last update is less than a month old.
Popularity and file types
The Chocolatey package has been downloaded 13,395 times. Wikipedia has an article about it in 2 of our languages. Similar programs include Elasticsearch, Double Commander and Open-Shell.
Pros / Cons
Pros
- Documented silent install
- Installs without administrator rights
- Updated in the last two months
- Also runs on cross-platform
Cons
- Proprietary licence: check the terms and price
- No native ARM64 build
In short: TheBrain is a file managers & search tool for 64-bit PCs. Administrators can deploy it unattended.
Is TheBrain safe to download?
- The file is served by updater.thebrain.com, the publisher’s own domain
- The download link uses HTTPS
- A SHA256 hash is published, so you can verify the file:
DB66B062BAE0003E897AA97DA65381ED2BE53A43C18F51924FAA3071631B7AE8· Open the VirusTotal report for this hash - The link answered when we last checked it (October 27, 2026)
- ExeAtlas does not host, wrap or modify installers
Related guide: How to check a file’s SHA256 hash on Windows
Recent versions
All 15 versions ›| Version | Date | Size | Files |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15.0.647Latest | October 24, 2026 | 239.8 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 15.0.645 | October 17, 2026 | 239.6 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 15.0.640 | October 7, 2026 | 240.5 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 15.0.624 | September 15, 2026 | 239.0 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 15.0.618 | September 1, 2026 | 238.7 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 15.0.612 | August 9, 2026 | 238.2 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 15.0.587 | July 31, 2026 | 233.6 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
| 15.0.584 | July 24, 2026 | 233.7 MB | 64-bit EXE (NSIS)64-bit EXE (NSIS) |
Install from the command line
Silent install ›winget install --id TheBrain.TheBrain -echoco install thebrain.install -yTheBrain-15.0.647-x64-Setup.exe /SRelated guide: How to use winget: install and update apps
Also for other systems
brew install --cask thebrainInformation
- Publisher
- TheBrain Technologies
- Category
- File managers & search
- Licence
- Proprietary
- Price
- See the publisher’s site
- Written in
- C#
- Requires
- Windows 11 / 10
- Architecture
- 64-bit
- Installer
- EXE (NSIS)
- Other platforms
- cross-platform
- Version
- 15.0.647
- Released
- October 24, 2026
- Added to the catalogue
- October 25, 2025
- Versions listed
- 15
- Chocolatey downloads
- 13,395
- Website
- thebrain.com
- winget ID
- TheBrain.TheBrain
- Chocolatey package
- thebrain.install
Ratings and reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to rate it.
Alternatives to TheBrain
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Total Commander11.58Total Commander is a modern file manager with plugin support in the classic 2-window style of the DOS era.Proprietary909.6K ↓ -
muCommander1.6.2muCommander is an open source, dual-pane file manager available on all major operating systemsOpen source8.6K ↓ -
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Frequently asked questions
Is TheBrain free?
TheBrain is proprietary (closed-source) software (licence: Proprietary). Whether it costs money depends on the edition: check the publisher’s site for prices and free tiers.
Is TheBrain safe to download?
The download comes from updater.thebrain.com, which belongs to the publisher; ExeAtlas does not host or change the file. Compare its SHA256 hash with the one shown here, or open the VirusTotal report for that hash.
How do I install TheBrain with winget?
Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal and run the winget command shown on this page. winget downloads the official installer and checks its SHA256 hash before running it.
Can TheBrain be installed silently?
Yes. The silent install page lists the exact command for each installer.
Does TheBrain run on ARM (Windows on Arm)?
There is no ARM64 build; Windows 11 on Arm can run the 64-bit version through emulation.
Where can I download an older version of TheBrain?
The versions page lists all 15 versions with links to their official installer files, back to October 25, 2025.
Can I use TheBrain without administrator rights?
Yes, there is a per-user installer that does not need administrator rights.
What are alternatives to TheBrain?
Elasticsearch, Double Commander, Open-Shell, Files - Stable and Total Commander. The alternatives page compares them.
