How to Open File Explorer: 6 Steps
File Explorer is an essential tool for navigating and managing files on your computer. It allows you to access, move, copy, and delete files and folders on your hard drive, network drives, and even cloud storage. In this article, we will guide you through six easy steps to open File Explorer on your Windows computer.
Step 1: Use the taskbar icon
1.Locate the folder icon in your system taskbar at the bottom of your screen by default. The icon resembles a yellow folder with a blue binder clip around it.
2.Click on the folder icon to open File Explorer.
Step 2: Press the Windows key + E
1.Press and hold the Windows key (the key with the Windows logo – usually located between the left Ctrl and Alt keys).
2.While holding the Windows key, press the E key.
3.Release both keys at the same time to launch File Explorer.
Step 3: Use the Start menu search
1.Click on the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
2.In the search box at the bottom of the menu, type “File Explorer” (without quotes) and press Enter.
3.Click on the File Explorer app that appears in your search results to open it.
Step 4: Access from within another application
1.When working with an application like Microsoft Word or Excel that has a “File” menu option, click on “File.”
2.Then click “Open” or “Save as.”
3.A mini version of File Explorer will appear as a dialog box within that application, allowing you to access your files.
Step 5: Create a desktop shortcut
1.Right-click anywhere on an empty space on your desktop.
2.Select “New” from the context menu and then choose “Shortcut.”
3.In the “Create Shortcut” window, type or paste “%windir%\explorer.exe” (without quotes) and click “Next.”
4.Name your shortcut “File Explorer” or any desired name, and click “Finish.”
5.Double-click the desktop shortcut to launch File Explorer.
Step 6: Pin to the Start menu or taskbar
1.Follow Step 3 to search for File Explorer in the Start menu.
2.Right-click on the File Explorer app that appears in your search results.
3.Select either “Pin to Start” or “Pin to Taskbar” from the context menu, according to your preference.
4.Click on your newly pinned File Explorer icon in the Start menu or taskbar to open it.
That’s it! Now you know six different ways to open File Explorer on your computer. Choose whichever method is most convenient for you and enjoy the convenience of managing your files with ease.