Files / Nautilus - Is there a way to have file operations like large copies shown in their own window, or at least visible by default, rather than having to click on the progress circle?
I switched to Nemo for other reasons and it does what you want. It looks nearly identical to Nautilus but it feels different once you start using it. I'd recommend you give it a try and see if you like it.
(follow the link from this reply How can I get the "up one directory" button from Windows? - #4 by Storm)