How to Open File Explorer

File Explorer is the new file manager for Windows 8 and Windows 10. It has a newer interface compared to its predecessor, Windows Explorer.[1] File Explorer lets you manage and view your files, browse network locations, share files with your homegroup, and more.

Steps

  1. Image titled Open File Explorer Step 1
    1
    Click or tap on the file folder icon
    Image titled File_Explorer_Icon.png
    on the taskbar to launch File Explorer.     This is the fastest method.
  2. Image titled Open File Explorer Step 2
    2
    Use the built-in search.
    • Windows 10 users can simply search via the search bar on their taskbar. If that isn't present, press the Start button and begin typing.
    • If you're running Windows 8.1, press ⊞ Win+C and select the 🔎 Search charm. Type file explorer and click or tap on the result.
  3. Image titled Open File Explorer Step 3
    3
    Press the ⊞ Win+E keys on your keyboard.
  4. Image titled Open File Explorer Step 4
    4
    Right-click on the Start button and select File Explorer from the bottom. If you are using a touch device, simply hold down instead of right-clicking.
  5. Image titled Open File Explorer Step 5
    5
    Open it via the Start menu/screen.
  6. Image titled Open File Explorer Step 6
    6
    Press ⊞ Win+R and type explorer or explorer.exe. Hit ↵ Enter or click OK.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What is the difference between Internet Explorer and File Explorer?
    Chris (Byankno1)
    Chris (Byankno1)
    Top Answerer
    Internet Explorer is an internet browser. File Explorer allows you to explore all the files that exist on your computer (much like a file cabinet).
  • Question
    Will these methods work for older versions of Windows?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    This article is primarily for users running Windows 8. 8.1, and 10. If you're running an older version of Windows, see How to Open Windows Explorer.
  • Question
    Did Microsoft rename Windows Explorer to File Explorer?
    Bat 🦇
    Bat 🦇
    Top Answerer
    Yes. It occurred with the release of Windows 8, alongside the addition of the ribbon.
  • Question
    How do I make a new file?
    Bat 🦇
    Bat 🦇
    Top Answerer
    There are many different files that consist of different content, such as image or text files. Read How to Make a New File in Windows.
  • Question
    How can I find my photos?
    Bat 🦇
    Bat 🦇
    Top Answerer
    Select "Pictures" from under "This PC". If the list is collapsed, double click on "This PC".
  • Question
    How do I open two windows side-by-side in File Explorer?
    Bat 🦇
    Bat 🦇
    Top Answerer
    Open File Explorer twice. Then, select one of the windows and hold down the following keys until the window snaps to the left: Win + ←. Repeat to snap to the right. Alternately, you can drag the windows to the side.
  • Question
    What is a file extension?
    R2_d2000
    R2_d2000
    Top Answerer
    A file extension is the part of a file name that tells the operating system how to open that file. For example, if a file extension is ".pdf", then the operating system knows that it needs to open that file with a PDF reader.

Things You'll Need

  • Device running Windows 10 or 8.1

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References

  1. ↑ http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/29/3125837/windows-8-file-explorer-name-replaces-windows-explorer
  2. ↑ http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000739.htm
  3. http://www.digitalcitizen.life/7-ways-open-file-explorer-windows-81
  4. https://www.techopedia.com/definition/29078/file-explorer-windows-8
  5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_Explorer
  6. http://www.digitalcitizen.life/9-ways-open-file-explorer-windows-10

About This Article

Tested by:
wikiHow Technology Team
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 78,183 times.
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Co-authors: 8
Updated: September 21, 2021
Views: 78,183
Categories: Windows 10 | Windows 8