File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (2024)

File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (1)

File Explorer is a file manager application that you will use to navigate through folders and manage your files. File Explorer replaced Windows Explorer from previous versions of Windows.

Open File Explorer

Here's how you open File Explorer.

  1. Click the File Explorer icon.

    Quick Access appears, which provides quick access to commonly used folders.

    You can also click the Start button, and then choose File Explorer.

    Press File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (2) + E to open File Explorer.

  2. Open a folder by double-clicking it.

    File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (3)

The Address Bar

The File Explorer address bar is located above the file list and provides the file path of the current folder.

  1. Click a folder from within the address path to navigate to a different (i.e., higher) one.

    File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (4)

Back, Forward, and Up Buttons

The back, forward, and up buttons appear next to the File Explorer address bar and provide simple functions.

  1. Click the Back button to return to the previously-opened folder.

    This function is similar to that of using the back function in a web browser.

  2. Click the Forward button to return to the folder you accessed prior to clicking the Back icon.
  3. Click the Up button to move up one folder in the file path.

    File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (5)

Navigation Pane

The left-hand pane of File Explorer is the Navigation Pane, which includes access to Quick Access, OneDrive, your PC, and network locations. You can easily open a folder or file from the Navigation Pane.

  1. With File Explorer open, click a shortcut to open it.

    File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (6)

The Ribbon

Like other Windows apps and programs, File Explorer contains a ribbon, which is located above the file path, across the top of the app. It is composed of tabs filled with command buttons, which are grouped similarly based on function. Tabs and commands differ based on the what folder is open, what file is selection, or what function is being used. For example, the Picture Tools tab appears when a picture is selected, and the Drive Tools tab appears when a drive is selected.

  1. Click a ribbon tab to view the File Explorer ribbon and commands.

    The File Explorer ribbon is hidden by default.

  2. Click a command.

    File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (7)

    The ribbon will automatically hide.

  3. Click the Expand the Ribbon button to unhide the ribbon.

    File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (8)

File Explorer in Windows 10 | CustomGuide (2024)

FAQs

Is there a better alternative to File Explorer? ›

Q-Dir is very handy if you simply want a more convenient alternative to File Explorer and don't often need to transfer huge amounts of data, but anyone else will be better served by the premium tools listed above.

What is the function of File Explorer in Windows 10 answer? ›

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.

What is the rule of File Explorer in Windows 10? ›

File Explorer is the file management application used by Windows operating systems to browse folders and files. It provides a graphical interface for the user to navigate and access the files stored in the computer. The main way to access the File Explorer is by clicking the folder icon in the Taskbar.

Is Windows Explorer obsolete? ›

Please note that the Internet Explorer (IE) 11 desktop application ended support for certain operating systems on June 15, 2022. Customers are encouraged to move to Microsoft Edge with IE mode.

What is replacing Explorer? ›

Support for Internet Explorer ended on June 15, 2022

Microsoft Edge is the faster, more secure browser recommended by Microsoft.

What is the difference between Windows Explorer and 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 the benefit of File Explorer? ›

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.

What is the difference between a file and a folder? ›

A file is the common storage unit in a computer, and all programs and data are "written" into a file and "read" from a file. A folder holds one or more files, and a folder can be empty until it is filled. A folder can also contain other folders, and there can be many levels of folders within folders.

How to organize File Explorer Windows 10? ›

Organize Folders and Files in Windows 10
  1. Click to highlight the folder or file to move.
  2. Click the Home tab. ...
  3. Move the folder or file by clicking Move to. ...
  4. Click Choose location if the desired folder isn't listed. ...
  5. Choose the destination folder, and then click Move.

What is File Explorer called in Windows 10? ›

It's called File Explorer in Windows 10. Here are three ways to open it: Select the Start button and find it on the Start menu. Press the Windows logo key + E.

What is the File Explorer limit? ›

Microsoft Windows has a MAX_PATH limit of ~256 characters. If the length of the path and filename combined exceed ~256 characters you will be able to see the path/files via Windows/File Explorer, but may not be able to delete/move/rename these paths/files.

What are 4 tasks you can do in File Explorer? ›

File Management -- Common Tasks
  • Finding Your Files.
  • Opening a File.
  • Copying a File (or Folder)
  • Moving a File (or Folder)
  • Deleting a File (or Folder)
  • Selecting Multiple Files (or Folders)
  • Zipping (Compressing) a Folder.

How do I maximize File Explorer? ›

Right Click the shortcut you use to open File Explorer, click Properties. From the properties window, open the Shortcut tab and change "Run:" from "Normal window" to "Maximized".

How do I navigate File Explorer faster? ›

Navigation
  1. F5 – Re-read panel.
  2. Backspace or Alt+Up – Open parent directory.
  3. Ctrl+\ – Open root directory.
  4. Ctrl+H – Open home directory.
  5. Alt+Left – Go back.
  6. Alt+Right – Go forward.
Mar 27, 2023

What is the Google equivalent of File Explorer? ›

Drive Explorer lets you pick folders/files from your Google Drive, Shared Drive, or the files shared with you to list in a Google Sheet or on the browser.

What is File Explorer now called? ›

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 the best file viewer? ›

Top 10 File Reader Software
  • Reader Mobile.
  • FineReader PDF for Windows and Mac.
  • Foxit PDF Reader.
  • Print Conductor.
  • PDF Reader Pro.
  • PDFlite.
  • FreeFileViewer.
  • File Viewer Lite.

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