File explorer is an application that is part of the Windows 10 operating system, which provides a graphical user interface to browse, navigate and access all the drives, files and folders on your computer. Many files and folders are stored on your computer in different locations. File Explorer in Windows 10 helps you access the files you are looking for fairly quickly and easily.
In this article, we will see how you can open and get the most out of Windows File Explorer and learn more about its features and shortcuts.
How to open file explorer in Windows 10
There are several ways to open the file explorer in Windows 10. Thanks to the file explorer, you have access to all files and folders to manage and sort them according to your needs. You can change the arrangement of elements, hide certain elements, etc. But first, let's see how to access Windows 10 file explorer.
- Via the task bar – Click on the File Explorer icon in the task bar to open it.
- Through the search box – Click on the search field located in the task bar, then type "File Explorer" to open it. The file name is explorer.exe.
- Using the shortcut key – Click on the Windows logo key and the alphabet "E" together to automatically launch the File Explorer window.
- Via the advanced user task menu – To open the Power User menu in Windows 10, click on the Windows logo button and the alphabet "X" together. The following window opens. Click on the "File Explorer" option to open it.
Here are some simple ways to launch the file explorer. Now let's see the components and features of File Explorer.
Features and uses of file explorer in Windows 10
There are a number of uses and functions of File Explorer in Windows 10. You can copy, cut and paste files and folders from one location to another. You can rename or delete a file. Zipping and emailing a file or folder becomes fairly simple. You can also sort, manage, and change the arrangement of items in the folder. If you are new to the Windows 10 operating system, this message will help you and guide you step by step through each part of the file explorer. Here's what Windows 10 File Explorer looks like.
The file explorer ribbon consists of four main tabs – File, Home, Share and View.
1) File – In the File tab, you can open a new file explorer window, change the advanced folder and search options, change the settings for opening items, get some help on windows and close the file explorer window. <img class = "ezlazyload size-full wp-image-201308 aligncenter” alt=”File Explorer – Features and Shortcuts” width=”600″ height=”138″ sizes=”(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px” ezimgfmt=”rs rscb17 src ng ngcb17 srcset” src=”https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-File.png” srcset=”https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-File.png 600w,https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-File-400×92.png 400w,https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-File-150×35.png 150w”/>
2) Home – The Home tab allows you to cut, copy and paste the selected items to the desired locations. You can pin a folder for quick access, move the selected items to the desired location, rename and delete files and folders. In the New group, you can create a new folder or item in the current location. This tab also allows you to open files and folders, check and modify its properties, as well as its history.
<img class = "ezlazyload size-full wp-image-201309 aligncenter” alt=”File Explorer – Features and Shortcuts” width=”600″ height=”115″ sizes=”(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px” ezimgfmt=”rs rscb17 src ng ngcb17 srcset” src=”https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-Home.png” srcset=”https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-Home.png 600w,https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-Home-400×77.png 400w,https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-Home-150×29.png 150w”/>
3) Share – On the Share tab, you can create a compressed or compressed file containing the selected items and share it or send it by email as an attachment or link. It is possible to fax, print and burn the selected items to a recordable disc. Advanced security allows you to manually configure advanced sharing settings related to permissions, auditing and effective access. You can also remove access and change sharing permissions.
<img class = "ezlazyload size-full wp-image-201310 aligncenter” alt=”File Explorer – Features and Shortcuts” width=”600″ height=”119″ sizes=”(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px” ezimgfmt=”rs rscb17 src ng ngcb17 srcset” src=”https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-Share.png” srcset=”https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-Share.png 600w,https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-Share-400×79.png 400w,https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-Share-150×30.png 150w”/>
4) See – The View tab allows you to change the appearance of files and folders. You can choose what to display in the navigation pane. You can choose or hide the info pane as well as the preview pane. You will find parameters to modify the view, the arrangement and the size of the elements. You can also sort and group them. This tab also allows you to hide selected files or folders, show or hide hidden items, etc. <img class = "ezlazyload size-full wp-image-201311 aligncenter” alt=”File Explorer – Features and Shortcuts” width=”600″ height=”118″ sizes=”(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px” ezimgfmt=”rs rscb17 src ng ngcb17 srcset” src=”https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-View.png” srcset=”https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-View.png 600w,https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-View-400×79.png 400w,https://www.thewindowsclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fe-View-150×30.png 150w”/>
File Explorer keyboard shortcuts
Here are some keyboard shortcuts for Windows 10 Explorer that you can use to work in Windows 10 File Explorer.
- Ctrl + N = open new browser window
- Ctrl + D = Delete the file or folder and move it to the trash
- Ctrl + E = Go to search box in explorer
- Ctrl + F = Go to search box in explorer
- Shift + Delete = Permanently delete a file or folder without sending it to the Trash
- Ctrl + W = Close or exit the current explorer window
- Alt + D = Go to address bar
- Alt + Enter = Display the properties of the selected file or folder
- Alt + P = Show or hide the preview pane.
These are just a few basic shortcuts that I mentioned that you can use in order to get your job done faster and easier.
This is how you can make the best use of Windows 10 File Explorer. So feel free to customize Explorer and change the layout, view, navigation pane and the size of files and folders.
Read more: Windows File Explorer tips and tricks for Windows 10.
I hope it was easy and simple to understand for beginners.