Did you know that there are several ways to open File Explorer in Windows 11/10? If not, then read this simple guide to learn about these methods.
What is an Explorer?
If you’ve been using a computer for a long time, you already know about Windows Explorer. It is now known as File Explorer. Since the launch of Windows 95, File Explorer has been part of the Windows operating system. It was previously known as Windows Explorer but was later renamed to Windows.
File Explorer is used to search for and access available files and folders. As a rule, this is the file manager of the Windows operating system. In addition, File Explorer acts as a Graphic User Interface, allowing the user to interact with the computer’s available files.
How to open File Explorer in Windows 11/10
Following are the methods that anyone can use to access File Explorer:
- Keyboard shortcut
- Task bar
- Search
- Power Menu
- start menu
- PowerShell or Windows Terminal
- Task Manager
- Run an invitation
Anyone can follow these methods.
1] Keyboard Shortcut
Instead of using the mouse for quick work, try using the keyboard more often. It provides various shortcuts that you can use to use your computer smoothly. One of them is Explorer.
Press the Win+E key combination on your keyboard. It will immediately open File Explorer.
2] Taskbar
The Windows taskbar includes or contains an Explorer icon. It is available by default and looks like a yellow folder.
- Hover over the Windows taskbar.
- Find the yellow folder and click on it
- It will open File Explorer.
3] Search function
Windows search can find any application. Since File Explorer is also an application, you can find and launch it.
- Use Win + S to open the start menu with the search box in focus.
- Enter File Explorer in the search field.
- When the search results are loaded, click on the explorer or press the Enter key.
4] Windows Power Menu
You can use the following steps to open File Explorer from the Windows Power Menu.
- Press Win+X to open the power menu, or right-click the start button for the same.
- In the power menu, the conductor will be listed.
- Click on the same and your explorer will open at the same time.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Win + X and then E to open File Explorer directly!
5] Start Menu
You can open Windows Explorer from an available shortcut in the Start menu. Follow the instructions below:
- Open the start menu.
- Scroll through the list of applications until you get to the Windows system.
- Once you open it, you will find File Explorer listed
- Click on it and File Explorer will open.
If you don’t find it in the start menu, then; you can add it to your start menu by doing the following:
- Go to your computer settings.
- Select and click Personalize.
- In the Personalization section, navigate to Start.
- Click Folder and turn on the option next to File Explorer.
6] PowerShell, Command Prompt or Windows Terminal
If you are using PowerShell, Command Prompt, or Windows Terminal, follow these steps to open File Explorer.
- Give the command by typing explorer and pressing the Enter key.
- It will quickly launch File Explorer in Windows 10 or Windows 11.
7] Task Manager
You can open the file manager and interact with it using the task manager. Follow the instructions below to do the same:
- Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc button to launch Task Manager.
- If the Task Manager loads in a compact view on Windows, click More Details.
- Then click the File menu, navigate and click Run New Task.
- You will then see a dialog to create a new task.
- Click the text box, type explore.exe, and press Enter to open File Explorer.
8] Launch window
This method is our latest and it is the old one. Follow the instructions below to open the Run window:
- Press the Win + R keys to open the Run menu.
- Then enter the word explorer.
- Click on it or press Enter on your keyboard.
- It will immediately open File Explorer in Windows.
How can you create an Explorer shortcut anywhere in Windows?
Windows does not allow you to create an Explorer shortcut using the drag and drop method. So if you drag the File Explorer icon and try to drop it, it won’t work. Instead, you need to create the shortcut manually.
Right-click on the desktop and select New Shortcut. Type explorer.exe in the path and save it anywhere. The next time you click on it, it will launch File Explorer. Also, note that the shortcut icon will have a Windows Explorer icon.
Are File Explorer and Windows Explorer the same thing?
Explorer used to be known as Windows Explorer. Microsoft later renamed it File Explorer, which makes more sense. The name of the program or executable remains unchanged.
Are there alternatives to File Explorer?
There are so many file explorer alternatives available in the market nowadays. Some of them are here:-
- XYplorer – XYplorer is one of the best Windows Explorer alternatives. It is available in both free and paid versions. Best of all, whether you’re a hardcore geek or a casual user, you won’t run into any difficulties.
- Explorer++ – Explorer++ is completely free to use. It is open source and has frequent updates. This is a simple yet powerful system file viewer.
- Directory Opus – Directory Opus is almost like XYplorer. If you don’t have a great experience with XYplorer, you can try this one. The tool gives you a 60-day free trial. All in all, this tool introduces you to many of their custom designs.