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- 11 Ways To Open Windows Explorer On Windows 10
By Sarah |
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Windows Explorer is a file manager application built in Windows operating systems since Windows 95 to replace the previously File Manager. Users can access files and folders easily via Windows Explorer since it provides a graphical user interface for accessing your file systems. What are the feasible ways to open Windows Explorer on computer?
Windows Explorer was introduced with Windows 95 as a replacement for File Manager. Microsoft gives it a new name in Windows 8 and Windows 10: File Explorer. Windows Explorer provides you with an easy way to access files and folders; that’s an important reason why Windows Explorer (File Explorer) becomes one of the most used apps on Windows.
Tip: It’s easy to make mistakes when you manage files and folders on computer through Windows Explorer. But the good news is that even if the files get lost due to misoperation, they can be recovered easily by using MiniTool software. You should click on the download button below to get it and then start installing it on your PC at once.
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Whenever you’d like to copy or move files on Windows 10, the first thing to do should be opening File Explorer. Where is File Explorer? Please don’t worry if you can answer this. In the following content, I’ll show you how to open Windows Explorer on Windows 10 in 11 ways.
- Troubleshoot Windows Explorer not responding/has stopped working!!!
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#1. Open Windows Explorer from Taskbar
By default, there’s a File Explorer icon (which looks like a folder) on the left end of taskbar in Windows 10. You should click on this icon to start Windows Explorer in Windows 10.
#2. Open File Explorer Windows 10 via Windows Search
If you have no idea of where is File Explorer in Windows 10, the best way to find it is using Windows search.
Please follow these steps to open Windows 10 File Explorer:
- Click on the search icon or search box located on the left side of your taskbar.
- Type explorer into the textbox.
- Select File Explorer from the search result.
Please read this page to know more about how to search in Windows 10:
#3. Ask Cortana to Open File Explorer
You can also use Cortana – Microsoft’s personal productivity assistant – to open Windows Explorer.
- Click on the Cortana icon on taskbar; it’s located on the right side of the search icon/box.
- Click on the microphone icon and say “Open File Explorer”.
- Cortana will then respond to this.
You can also type File Explorer into the Cortana search box if you don’t have a microphone.
Start Menu is frequently used on all Windows versions to help people access certain files, apps, and settings quickly. How to open File Explorer?
Step 1: How to Open Start Menu
And there are 2 common ways to open the Start menu on Windows 10.
- Click on the Start button in the lower left corner of Windows 10 PC screen.
- Press the Start (Windows logo) key on the keyboard.
Step 2: How to Start Windows Explorer
Then, you can open Windows 10 File Explorer from Start menu in 3 different ways.
- Scroll down the list of apps -> find Windows System and expand it -> click File Explorer under it.
- Navigate to the left sidebar -> click on the File Explorer icon.
- Navigate to the right tile section -> select File Explorer.
Q1: What if File Explorer doesn’t appear in the left sidebar?
You may also click on the Documents or Pictures icon to open file manager Windows 10. Besides, you can pin File Explorer to the sidebar by: click on the Settings icon -> click Personalization -> choose Start -> click on the Choose which folders appear on Start link -> turn On File Explorer.
Q2: How to pin File Explorer to the tile section?
Press Windows + S -> type File Explorer -> right click on it and choose Pin to Start.
#5. Use Keyboard Shortcut to Open File Explorer
Your keyboard offers fast shortcuts for launching lots of things, including File Explorer. How to start Windows Explorer easily? Just press Windows + E on the keyboard.
WinX menu, also known as the Power User Menu, refers to the menu you see after pressing Windows + X. You can also right click on the Start button to show this menu. Then, you should select File Explorer.
[Fixed] WinX Menu Not Working In Windows 10.
#7. Open Windows Explorer via Run
How to open File Explorer in Windows 10 by using the Run application?
- Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Type explorer into the text box.
- Click OK or press Enter.
#8. Use Task Manager to Start Windows Explorer
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Switch to More details. (Optional)
- Select File from the menu bar and choose Run new task.
- Type explorer and press Enter.
#9. Start Windows 10 File Explorer from Command Prompt or Powershell
- Open Command Prompt or Windows Powershell as you usually do.
- Type explorer and press Enter.
#10. Run Explorer.exe
- Double click on This PC.
- Go to C:\Windows.
- Find the explorer application file.
- Double click on it.
#11. Make a Shortcut Manually
You can open File Explorer from anywhere you want by creating a shortcut manually.
- Navigate to the place you want to open Windows Explorer from.
- Right click on the blank space.
- Select New -> Shortcut.
- Type the correct location or click Browse.
- Click Next.
- Give it a name.
- Click Finish.
Another way to creat a File Explorer shortcut quickly is: dragging and dropping the File Explorer shortcut from the Start Menu to anywhere else you want.
Can you fix File Explorer if it won’t open or start?
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Sarah has been working as an editor at MiniTool since she graduated from university. Sarah aims at helping users with their computer problems such as disk errors and data loss. She feels a sense of accomplishment to see that users get their issues fixed relying on her articles. Besides, she likes to make friends and listen to music after work.
(Image credit: Windows Central)
On Windows 10, File Explorer is an essential tool built into the system that allows you to access, delete, create, move, and copy files, whether they are locally stored on the device, in the network, or inside a cloud service like OneDrive.
Although the process to open the file manager is straightforward, it is not obvious for everyone since there are many ways to complete the task depending on where you are in the system.
In this Windows 10 guide, we will show you virtually every way you can use to open File Explorer on Windows 10.
- How to open File Explorer from taskbar
- How to open File Explorer from Start menu
- How to open File Explorer from Run dialog
- How to open File Explorer from app location
- How to open File Explorer from Task Manager
- How to open File Explorer from Command Prompt
- How to open File Explorer from PowerShell
- How to open File Explorer from desktop icon
- How to open File Explorer from shortcut
How to open File Explorer from taskbar
Windows 10 includes many different ways to open File Explorer, but these are the quickest methods.
Open from taskbar
To open the Windows 10 file manager from the taskbar, use these steps:
- Click the File Explorer (yellow folder in the blue tray) icon in the taskbar.
Alternatively, you can also use the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut to open the app quickly.
To launch File Explorer from the Quick Link menu, use these steps:
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
- Right-click the Start button to open the Quick Link menu.
- Click on File Explorer.
The steps below will show you several other ways to access the default file manager app on Windows 10.
To start File Explorer from the Start menu, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Select the Windows System folder.
- Click the File Explorer option.
Once you complete the steps, the app will open on the desktop.
To open the file manager from the Start left rail, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Click the File Explorer icon from the left pane.
If the option is not available, you may need to enable it using the Settings app.
Show File Explorer icon in Start shortcuts
To show the File Explorer icon in the Start menu, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click on Start.
- Click the Choose which folders appear on Start option.
- Turn on the Windows Explorer toggle switch.
After you complete the steps, the option will appear in the left pane on the Start menu.
Windows Search
To run File Explorer from the Windows Search box, use these steps:
- Click the Search box.
- Search for File Explorer and click on the top result.
Alternatively, you can pin the app into the tile section by right-clicking the File Explorer icon in the Start menu and selecting the Pin to Start option.
How to open File Explorer from Run dialog
To launch the Windows 10 Explorer from the Run dialog box, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Run and click the top result to open the Run dialog.
- Type the following command and click the OK button.
explorer
Once you complete the steps, File Explorer will open on Windows 10.
How to open File Explorer from app location
Although it might seem redundant, you can also open the file manager app from its path location.
To open File Explorer from its location, use these steps:
- Open Start.Quick tip: You can also use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
- Search for Run and click the top result to open the interface.
- Type the following path and click the OK button:
C:\Windows
- Double-click the explorer.exe file to launch the app.
After you complete the steps, a second instance of the app will open on the desktop.
How to open File Explorer from Task Manager
To open the Explorer with Task Manager, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Task Manager and click the top result to open the app.Quick tip: You can also right-click the taskbar and select the Task Manager option to access the app. Or you can use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut.
- Click the File menu.
- Select the Run new task option.
- Type the following command and click the OK button:
explorer
Once you complete the steps, the app will launch on Windows 10.
How to open File Explorer from Command Prompt
To use Command Prompt to run File Explorer, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for Command Prompt and click the top result to open the console.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
explorer
After you complete the steps, the command will launch the application on the device.
How to open File Explorer from PowerShell
To use PowerShell to launch the Windows 10 file manager, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for PowerShell and click the top result to open the console.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
explorer
Once you complete the steps, PowerShell will run File Explorer.
How to open File Explorer from desktop icon
To access File Explorer with the «This PC» icon from the desktop, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click on Themes.
- Under the «Related Settings» section, click the Desktop icon settings.
- Under the «Desktop icons» section, check the Computer option.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
After you complete the steps, the «This PC» icon will appear on the desktop, and when you double-click it, the icon will open File Explorer in the «This PC» section.
How to open File Explorer from shortcut
To create a shortcut to open File Explorer, use these steps:
- Right-click on the desktop.
- Select the New submenu and choose the Shortcut option.
- Type the following path to File Explorer and click the Next button:
C:\Windows\explorer.exe
- Confirm a name for the shortcut – for example, File Explorer.
- Click the Finish button.
Once you complete the steps, the shortcut will appear on the desktop with the appropriate icon, which you can double-click to open the file manager application.
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
- Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
- Windows 10 forums on Windows Central
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
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 then select 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 Open before you can cut and paste.
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To change how your items appear in File Explorer, select View on the ribbon and 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.
Quick access
Starting with Windows 11, version 22H2, the known Windows folders—Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos—are available by default as pinned folders in Quick access in both File Explorer Home and the left navigation pane. These default folders are no longer displayed under This PC to keep the view focused on your PC’s drives and network locations.
You can set any folder to show up in Quick access so it’ll be easy to find. Just right-click (or long-press) it and select Pin to Quick access. Unpin it when you don’t need it there anymore by right-clicking (or long-pressing) it and selecting Unpin from Quick access.
If you unpin these known Windows folders and decide to restore them later, here is an easy way to restore them in Quick access under Home and in the navigation pane:
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Select Start > File Explorer , or select the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
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Select Home in the left navigation pane.
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Select the Up arrow from the navigation buttons available to the left of the address bar. This view displays all 6 known Windows folders—Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos.
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Select and hold (or right-click) on the folder you wish to restore and select Pin to Quick access from the context menu.
The folder will now be available in your navigation pane and in File Explorer Home.
If you have hidden the left navigation pane and would like to make it visible in your File Explorer window, you can show it again using these steps:
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Select Start > File Explorer , or select the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
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Select View from the Command Bar.
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Select Show, then select Navigation Pane.
The navigation pane should now be visible in your File Explorer window.
Context menu
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.
You can find Cut , Copy , Paste , Rename , Share , and Delete at the top of the context menu. Hover over any icon to see its name.
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Right-click (or select and hold) on a file or folder to open the context menu.
-
Select Show more options.
Note: Not all extensions from Windows 10 will be available in the streamlined Windows 11 context menu, but they’ll always be available when selecting Show more options. Some apps will update over time to join the new context menu. Check with your app developer about availability and timing for specific apps.
Common File Explorer options
By default, File Explorer opens to Quick access, renamed to File Explorer Home in Windows 11, Version 22H2. We recommend Home as your landing page in File Explorer, where you can:
-
Access your most recent and favorited Office.com files quickly.
-
Search and find your relevant files from your PC and the cloud much faster than with This PC.
If you’d rather have File Explorer open to This PC, on the ribbon, select See more > Options > Open File Explorer to, then select This PC > Apply.
Open File Explorer from the taskbar. Select View > Show, then select File name extensions to view file name extensions.
Open File Explorer from the taskbar. Select View > Show, then select Hidden items to view hidden files and folders.
Open File Explorer from the taskbar. Select View > Show, then select Item check boxes to view a check box next to files and folders to select them.
Quick Links
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Use the Keyboard Shortcut
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From Within File Explorer
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Run the Source Application
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Add a Shortcut to the Desktop
Summary
- Open File Explorer by clicking the Taskbar icon, using the keyboard shortcut Windows+E, or searching for «File Explorer» in Windows Search.
- Customize your Start menu by pinning File Explorer to the sidebar or adding a shortcut to the pinned tile section for quick access.
File Explorer is an essential file management application. Whether your mouse is broken or you just prefer using Command Prompt, there are many ways you can open File Explorer in Windows 10.
Click the Taskbar Icon
Windows PCs come with certain apps preloaded on the taskbar, including File Explorer; just click the File Explorer icon in the taskbar to open it.
If you’ve removed the File Explorer icon from the taskbar, you can use one of the other methods below to launch it, and then re-pin it to the taskbar.
To do this, launch File Explorer, right-click its icon on the taskbar, and then select «Pin to Taskbar» to keep it there permanently. You can then drag and drop it wherever you want it on the taskbar.
Use the Keyboard Shortcut
Almost every keyboard on a Windows PC has a Windows key (it’s the one with the Windows icon). You can open File Explorer by pressing Windows+E.
Via Windows Search
You can search for any application on your PC in Windows Search. In the Search box to the left of the Taskbar, just type «File Explorer,» and then click (or use the arrow keys to select) «File Explorer» in the search results to launch it.
There are three ways you can open File Explorer from the Start menu. The first is to click the Start button, and then scroll down the list of apps and click «Windows System.» In the submenu, click «File Explorer» to open it.
You can also pin File Explorer to the sidebar above the Start button. To do so, click Settings > Personalization > Start, and then click «Choose which folders appear on Start.»
On the next screen, toggle-On the «File Explorer» option.
File Explorer will now appear in the sidebar of the Start menu; click it to launch File Explorer.
You can also add a shortcut to the pinned tile section to the right of the Start menu. To do so, open the Start menu, type «File Explorer» in the Search box, and then, in the pane that appears to the right of the search results, click «Pin to Start.»
Alternatively, if you pinned File Explorer to the sidebar of the Start menu, you can right-click the File Explorer icon, and then click «Pin to Start.»
File Explorer will now appear in the pinned tile section of the Start menu; just click it to launch.
From Within File Explorer
You can launch anything that is on your system PATH from the address bar without specifying a full path to the executable, just like a Run window, Command Prompt, or PowerShell.
To launch another instance of File Explorer from within File Explorer, click the address bar, type «explorer» or «explorer.exe» and hit Enter. The new File Explorer window will open immediately.
You can also open File Explorer from the Power User Menu. To access it, press Windows+X or right-click the Start button, and then click «File Explorer.»
Use the Run Application
You can also launch File Explorer in the Run app. Press Windows+R to open the «Run» window. In the «Open:» box, type «Explorer,» click «OK,» and File Explorer will open.
Run the Source Application
By default, Windows stores File Explorer’s EXE file in the «Windows» folder on the C: drive. Navigate to the «Windows» folder, find «Explorer.exe» in the long list, and then double-click it to open File Explorer.
Add a Shortcut to the Desktop
For quicker access to File Explorer, you can create a desktop shortcut. To do so, click the Start button at the bottom left.
In the app list, scroll down and click «Windows System.» In the submenu, click and drag «File Explorer» to the desktop. You can also drag and drop File Explorer from the pinned app tiles on the right.
Now, you can just double-click the shortcut on your desktop to open File Explorer anytime.
From Task Manager
Task Manager isn’t just for shutting down apps or monitoring processes and performance—you can also launch apps from it. To launch File Explorer this way, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Then, click «File» and select «Run New Task.»
The «Create New Task» window will appear. Type «Explorer» in the «Open:» text box, click «OK,» and File Explorer will open.
From Command Prompt
You can launch almost any app on your PC, including File Explorer, from the Command Prompt. To do so, type «cmd» in the Windows Search box, and then select «Command Prompt» from the search results to open it.
In Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
explorer
File Explorer will open.
Via PowerShell
You can also launch File Explorer from PowerShell. To do so, type «PowerShell» in the Windows Search box, and then select «Windows PowerShell» from the search results to open it.
In PowerShell, type the following command, and then press Enter:
explorer
File Explorer will then open.
Windows 10 is packed with different ways to accomplish common tasks, like opening the Command Prompt or locking your PC. Explore all the options to find those that work best for you and your workflow.
