File Explorer in Windows 11 helps you get the files you need quickly and easily.
To check it out in Windows 11, select it on the taskbar or the Start menu, or press the Windows logo key+ E on your keyboard.
How to use File Explorer:
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To pin a folder to Quick access, right-click (or press and hold) the folder and select Pin to Quick access.
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To share a file, select it, then select Share on the ribbon.
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To move the location of a file or folder, select it and thenselect Cut on the ribbon.Navigate to the new location, then select Paste .
Note:For files and folders in Quick access, you'll need to right-click (or press and hold) and select Openbefore you can cut and paste.
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To change how your items appearin File Explorer, select View on the ribbonand choose between showing icons, lists, details, and more.
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To reduce the space between files, select View > Compact view.
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To find relevant files from your PC and the cloud, search from File Explorer Home.
Note:Sign in to your cloud account(s) from Start > Settings > Accounts to enable cloud search.
File Explorer has a new, streamlined context menu, making it easier to get to popular commands. Right-click on a file to access the new context menu. For more info, see Finding items in the File Explorer context menu.
Like many of the finer things in life, File Explorer has gotten better with age. To check it out in Windows 10, select its icon on the taskbar or the Start menu, or press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard.
Here are some noteworthy changes for Windows 10:
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OneDrive is now part of File Explorer. For a quick primer on how it works, check outOneDrive on your PC.
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When File Explorer opens, you'll land in Quick access. Your frequently used folders and recently used files are listed there, so you won't have to dig through a series of folders to find them. Pin your favorite folders to Quick access to keep them close at hand. For more info, see Pin, remove, and customize in Quick access.
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Now, you can use apps to share files and photos right from File Explorer. Select the files you want to share, go to the Share tab, select the Share button, and then choose an app. For more info on sharing options, see Share files in File Explorer.
If you're coming from Windows 7, here are a couple more differences:
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My Computer is now called This PC, and it won’t show up on your desktop by default. To find out how to add This PC to your desktop or the Start menu, see My Computer is now This PC.
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Libraries won’t show up in File Explorer unless you want them to. To add them to the left pane, select the View tab > Navigation pane > Show libraries.
FAQs
File Explorer is a file browser that helps you access, view and manage all the files stored on your computer. It's an important part of Windows, but it can also be used on almost any other operating system as well.
How do I find open File Explorer? ›
Like many of the finer things in life, File Explorer has gotten better with age. To check it out in Windows 10, select its icon on the taskbar or the Start menu, or press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard.
How to resolve File Explorer not responding? ›
Answer:
- Go to Control Panel.
- Search for "Indexing Options"
- Click on the "Advanced" Button. A new dialog opens.
- Locate the "Troubleshooting" section and click on "Rebuild"
- The Indices begin to rebuild again and once they're done, your Windows File Explorer will begin working again.
This happens if the option to search file names and contents is disabled. You might've turned it off yourself, or a third-party program might have done it for you. Luckily, this setting is easy to turn back on. Open File Explorer from your taskbar or press the Windows + E keyboard shortcut.
What is a file question and answer? ›
The correct option is B A file is a collection of information that has been given a name and is stored in secondary memory. A file is a collection of information that has been given a name and is stored in secondary memory.
What does open File Explorer mean? ›
The File Explorer works by giving you access to all of your computer's folders and files. It will list the available folders within your computer, allowing you to open them up one at a time. You can then double-click on any file or folder to open it up in order to view its contents.
How do I find files in Explorer? ›
To search for files in File Explorer, open File Explorer and use the search box to the right of the address bar. Tap or click to open File Explorer. Search looks in all folders and subfolders within the library or folder you're viewing.
Which is click to open the File Explorer? ›
To open File Explorer, click on the File Explorer icon located in the taskbar. Alternatively, you can open File Explorer by clicking on the Start button and then clicking on File Explorer.
How to open File Explorer options? ›
Press Win + E to open File Explorer. Press Alt + F to open the File tab. Press the O key to open the Folder Options.
Why can't I open File Explorer? ›
Run the system maintenance troubleshooter
Select Control Panel from the results. For View by, choose Large icons or Small icons. Select Troubleshooting > View all > System Maintenance. On the System Maintenance troubleshooter, select Next > Try troubleshooting as an administrator and review the results.
Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys at the same time and select Task Manager. Click More details. Find and click Windows Explorer, and click Restart in the lower right corner. Alternatively, right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.
How do I get File Explorer back to normal? ›
Step 1: Hold the Windows and E keys to open File Explorer. Step 2: In File Explorer, tap on the View tab and then click Options > Change folder and search options. Step 3: In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab and click Reset Folders.
How do I open File Explorer search? ›
Search File Explorer: Open File Explorer from the taskbar or right-click on the Start menu, choose File Explorer and then select a location from the left pane to search or browse. For example, select This PC to look in all devices and drives on your computer, or select Documents to look only for files stored there.
Why can't I find a file on my computer? ›
Oftentimes, "lost" files are files that have simply been deleted - either accidentally or intentionally. Check your Windows Recycle Bin or Trash. You should check your Recycle Bin/Trash immediately, as continued write activity increases the possibility of an unrecoverable loss.
How do I fix File Explorer missing? ›
Windows 11 - Missing Taskbar and File Explorer
- On the keyboard, press CTRL + SHIFT + ESCAPE together to open up the Task Manager.
- Make sure you are on the Processes tab. ...
- Scroll down the list until you find Windows Explorer or File Explorer, it will likely be near the very bottom of the list. ...
- Click on Restart.
The correct answer is A file manager. Windows Explorer (now called File Explorer in newer versions of Windows) is a software application that allows users to manage files and folders on their computer.
What best describes the File Explorer? ›
File Explorer, previously known as Windows Explorer, is a file manager application and default desktop environment that is included with releases of the Microsoft Windows operating system from Windows 95 onwards.
What is Windows Explorer very short answer? ›
Microsoft Windows File Explorer is a graphical file management utility for the Windows operating system (OS). Windows Explorer was introduced with Windows 95 and later renamed File Explorer. Each time a computer user accesses a disk or opens a folder containing files, they are using the Windows File Explorer utility.
How do I select File Explorer? ›
To open File Explorer, select Windows logo key + E or go to Start and type File Explorer in the search box. Select File Explorer in the results.
