What Is File Explorer
File Explorer, often known as Windows Explorer, is a file management tool and default desktop environment included with Microsoft Windows versions beginning with Windows 95. It offers a graphical user interface for navigating file systems. It is also the operating system component that displays numerous user interface components on the screen, such as the taskbar and desktop. Controlling the computer is feasible even when File Explorer is not operating (for example, the File Run command in Task Manager on NT-derived versions of Windows, as well as commands typed in a command prompt window, will work without it).
File Explorer is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for viewing and managing files and directories on a computer. It has two primary panes: the left pane shows a hierarchical view of the file system, and the right pane shows the contents of the selected folder. Users can navigate the file system by selecting folders in the left pane and viewing and editing the contents of files in the right pane.
A number of utilities for managing files and folders are also included in File Explorer. These tools allow you to create, delete, rename, copy, and move files and folders, as well as examine and edit file properties and search for files and folders.
File Explorer is a robust application that allows users to handle their files and folders with ease. It is a vital component of the Windows operating system, and millions of people around the world rely on it every day.
What Can You Do with File Explorer
We’ve already covered some of the most common uses for File Explorer. In this session, we will go through some of the features and uses for which you may simply use this application.
Some of the samples and functionality provided by File Explorer are as follows:
1. Open a Document
Using File Explorer to open a document is a standard tool that is needed in your computer and is commonly utilized by all users. Microsoft has added a folder called “My Documents” to Windows to help users find their documents in one location.
To open a file, navigate to the “Documents” folder and double-click on it.
2. Search For a File or Folder
Using the “Search tab” in File Explorer, you may quickly locate a file or folder you want to access. F3 can also be used as a shortcut key to access these search features.
3. Delete Files From Your Device
Deleting files not only frees up space for other important stuff, but it also helps your device run faster.
Select the file or folder you want to delete from Windows Explorer to delete it. You can either use the “Delete” key on your keyboard or right-click your mouse and select “Delete.”
4. Copy a File
You can copy many files from one area to another with the aid of File Explorer.
Step 1. Go to your desktop and select the file or folder you want to copy. Highlight and select the files that must be copied. To proceed, right-click the mouse and pick “Copy” from the menu. You can also use the “Ctrl + C” keyboard shortcut.
Step 2. Right-click the mouse and select the “Paste” option to open the folder where you want to copy the required file. You can also use the “Ctrl + V” keyboard shortcut.
5. Rename Files and Folders
File Explorer, like the copy, move, and delete options, allows you to rename any files or folders on your computer. The methods listed below are suitable for most file kinds, including photographs, text, and documents.
Method 1. Begin by highlighting the file or folder you want to rename. Right-click the mouse and choose “Rename”.
Method 2. After highlighting a file, use F2 as a shortcut key to rename it.
6. Open a Program
You can also use File Explorer to open programs from the “Program Files” folder on the C: disk. You can start the required program by locating the executable file in the program’s folder. If the file and the application have the same name, you can recognize it as executable.
7. Move Files and Folders
You can also move any files or folders from the current location to a different one. These can be accomplished by using the “Cut and Paste” technique or by dragging the files to the appropriate folder.
Method 1. Right-click the mouse and select the “Cut” option after selecting the files or folders to be relocated. Now, right-click the mouse and select “Paste” in the new position. You can also use shortcut keys like “Ctrl + X” to cut and “Ctrl + V” to paste the files into the desired spot.
Method 2. Files and folders can also be moved around by dragging and dropping them. Simply hold and drag the files to their new position.
8. Create a Shortcut
Shortcuts allow you to rapidly locate files or directories and access programs. In a few simple steps, you may build a shortcut from a folder.
How to Open File Explorer on Windows 10
File Explorer is an essential and necessary application that may be opened and accessed in a variety of ways. You can accomplish this in a variety of ways, including:
- Method 1. By Using the Keyboard Shortcut
- Method 2. By Clicking the Taskbar Icon
- Method 3. By Using the Start Menu
- Method 4. By Using the Search Box
- Method 5. By Using Run
- Method 6. By Commanding Cortana
Method 1. By Using the Keyboard Shortcut
If you can remember the shortcut to open File Explorer, this option is the simplest. To open File Explorer, press the “Windows key + E” combination.
Method 2. By Clicking the Taskbar Icon
A graphical user interface is a taskbar at the bottom of Windows.
Step 1. To open it, click the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
Step 2. If the icon is missing or has been removed from the taskbar, relaunch it.
Step 3. To do this, launch File Explorer and right-click its icon in the taskbar.
Step 4. Finally, choose “Pin to Taskbar” to retain the icon permanently on the taskbar. You can drag and drop it anywhere in the taskbar.
Method 3. By Using the Start Menu
You may also use the Start Menu to start File Explorer for this method; the procedures are as follows:
Step 1. Go to the bottom search bar and right-click on the “Start menu” bar.
Step 2. To open it, choose File Explorer from the list. You may also use the shortcut “Windows Key + X” to accomplish the same thing.
Method 4. By Using the Search Box
One of the earliest and simplest approaches is to use a search box to launch File Explorer.
Step 1. In the search bar, type File Explorer to see relevant results.
Step 2. Click on the one you want to open, and you’re done.
Method 5. By Using Run
File Explorer can also be launched via the Run app; simply follow the steps below:
Step 1. To open the Run window, press the “Windows + R” keys simultaneously, and a dialogue box will display.
Step 2. Enter Explorer in the box and press the “OK” button.
Method 6. By Commanding Cortana
If your PC has a microphone, Cortana can be used to launch File Explorer. The circle-shaped taskbar icon represents Cortana.
Step 1. Clicking on “Cortana” will bring up a box.
Step 2. Click the microphone icon and say “Open File Explorer” from here.
Step 3. The File Explorer will then be opened, with Cortana responding, “I’ll open File Explorer.”
Conclusion
To summarize, while it may appear difficult to use the many applications accessible on your PC, there is no need to be concerned. Overall, these applications and functions are usable after you get the hang of them and comprehend the most basic approaches.
In this article, we explored how to utilize File Explorer and how to access it on your smartphone. To have a fantastic PC experience, try any of these techniques to open and utilize this application the next time.
