Where Is File Explorer In Windows 10

When using Windows 10, finding the File Explorer can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The default location of this essential tool has changed over the years, leaving many users puzzled and frustrated. But fear not, because I'm here to guide you through the maze and show you exactly where to find File Explorer in Windows 10.

File Explorer, previously known as Windows Explorer, is a file management application that allows you to browse and manage files and folders on your computer. In Windows 10, you can access File Explorer in several ways. One of the quickest methods is to simply click on the folder icon located on the taskbar at the bottom of your screen. Alternatively, you can use the search bar next to the Start button and type "File Explorer." Whichever method you choose, File Explorer is an essential tool for organizing and accessing your files efficiently.

Introduction to File Explorer in Windows 10

If you're using Windows 10, you may have wondered, "Where is File Explorer in Windows 10?" File Explorer, the file management tool in Windows operating systems, allows users to navigate through their files and folders, organize and search for files, and perform various file operations. It serves as a central hub for accessing and managing files on your computer.

Being familiar with File Explorer is crucial for performing everyday tasks on your Windows 10 device. In this article, we'll explore the different ways to access File Explorer, uncovering its multiple locations and shortcuts within the Windows 10 operating system.

Whether you're a novice Windows user or an expert looking for advanced tips, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information to find and launch File Explorer in Windows 10.

Accessing File Explorer Through the Start Menu

One of the most straightforward ways to access File Explorer in Windows 10 is through the Start menu. Follow the steps below to find and open File Explorer:

• Click on the Start button located at the bottom-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• In the Start menu, you'll see a search bar at the bottom. Type "File Explorer" into the search bar.
• As you type, Windows will display search results. Look for the "File Explorer" option in the search results and click on it to launch File Explorer.

If you frequently use File Explorer, you can also pin it to the Start menu for quick access. To pin File Explorer:

• Open the Start menu and search for "File Explorer" as explained above.
• Once you find "File Explorer" in the search results, right-click on it.
• A context menu will appear. Select "Pin to Start" from the menu.

Now, you'll find File Explorer as a pinned app in the Start menu, allowing you to launch it with just a single click.

Keyboard Shortcut for File Explorer

Windows 10 offers a convenient keyboard shortcut to access File Explorer without the need to navigate through the Start menu. The keyboard shortcut is as follows:

Windows key + E

By pressing the Windows key and the letter "E" simultaneously, you can instantly open File Explorer and start managing your files and folders.

Using the Taskbar Shortcut

An alternative method to access File Explorer quickly is through the Taskbar shortcut. The Taskbar is the bar at the bottom of the screen, usually containing frequently used applications and the Start button. Follow these steps to access File Explorer using the Taskbar shortcut:

• Locate the Taskbar at the bottom of your screen.
• Look for the File Explorer icon, which resembles a folder. By default, it is usually pinned to the Taskbar.
• Click on the File Explorer icon to open it. If it is not pinned to the Taskbar, you can open File Explorer through the Start menu or by searching for it using the steps mentioned earlier.

By utilizing the Taskbar shortcut, you can quickly launch File Explorer with just one click, saving you time and effort.

Customizing the Taskbar Shortcut

If you prefer to customize the Taskbar shortcut for File Explorer, you can do so by following these steps:

• Right-click on an empty space on the Taskbar.
• A context menu will appear. Hover over the "Toolbars" option.
• In the sub-menu, check the "Desktop" option to enable the Desktop toolbar on the Taskbar.
• Once the Desktop toolbar appears on the Taskbar, click on the double-arrow icon to reveal a list of desktop items.
• Locate "File Explorer" in the list and click on it to open File Explorer.

With the customized Taskbar shortcut, you can access File Explorer directly from the Taskbar's Desktop toolbar, providing quick and convenient access to your files and folders.

Other Locations of File Explorer

In addition to the methods mentioned above, there are a few other locations where you can find File Explorer in Windows 10:

File Explorer in File Dialog Windows

When opening or saving a file within an application, you will often encounter File Dialog windows. These windows allow you to browse and select a file location. To access File Explorer from a File Dialog window:

• Look for the "This PC" or "Computer" option in the File Dialog window.
• Click on "This PC" or "Computer" to expand the options.
• Select "Open" or "Save" to launch File Explorer at the respective file location.

File Explorer in the Quick Access Menu

Windows 10 offers a Quick Access menu that provides easy access to frequently used locations and recently accessed files and folders. To access File Explorer from the Quick Access menu:

• Right-click on the File Explorer icon in the Taskbar.
• A context menu will appear. Select "File Explorer" from the menu to launch File Explorer.

File Explorer in the Control Panel

In older versions of Windows, the Control Panel was the primary tool for managing system settings and configurations. Although Windows 10 has introduced the Settings app, the Control Panel is still available. To access File Explorer from the Control Panel:

• Open the Start menu or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
• Type "Control Panel" into the search bar.
• In the search results, click on "Control Panel" to open it.
• Within the Control Panel, search for "File Explorer Options."
• Click on "File Explorer Options" to launch File Explorer.

Exploring Different Dimensions of File Explorer in Windows 10

Now that we've covered the basic ways to find and launch File Explorer in Windows 10, let's explore some advanced dimensions of using File Explorer.

Customizing File Explorer View and Layout

File Explorer allows users to customize the view and layout settings to suit their preferences. Here are some ways to customize File Explorer:

Changing the View Layout

File Explorer offers different view layouts to display your files and folders. You can easily switch between these layouts depending on your needs. To change the view layout:

• Open File Explorer using one of the methods mentioned earlier.
• Click on the "View" tab located in the File Explorer ribbon at the top.
• In the "Layout" section, you'll find different view options, such as "Extra Large Icons," "Large Icons," "Medium Icons," "Details," and more. Click on your preferred view layout.

By customizing the view layout, you can optimize File Explorer to display files and folders in a way that is most convenient for you.

Adding or Removing Columns

File Explorer allows you to add or remove columns to display additional file information. To add or remove columns:

• Open File Explorer using one of the methods mentioned earlier.
• Click on the "View" tab located in the File Explorer ribbon at the top.
• In the "Layout" section, click on the "Add columns" option.
• A drop-down menu will appear. You can choose to add or remove columns, such as "Date Modified," "Type," "Size," and more.

By adding relevant columns, you can have a comprehensive view of your files and efficiently sort and manage them based on different attributes.

Using File Explorer Extensions

In addition to its built-in features, File Explorer supports extensions that can enhance its functionality and provide additional features. Here are some popular File Explorer extensions:

OneDrive Integration

OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service, integrates seamlessly with File Explorer to provide easy access to your cloud files. By installing the OneDrive app and configuring it with your Microsoft account, you can access your OneDrive files directly through File Explorer.

Third-Party File Managers

Windows 10 allows users to install third-party file managers to replace or supplement the default File Explorer. These third-party file managers often offer additional features, customization options, and improved user interfaces.

Preview Handlers

Preview handlers are extensions that allow you to preview file contents without opening them. For example, a PDF preview handler would allow you to preview the content of a PDF file within File Explorer without the need to open it with a dedicated PDF reader.

Advanced File Operations

File Explorer offers a range of advanced file operations that can help you streamline your workflow and manage your files more efficiently. Here are some notable advanced file operations:

Clipboard Operations

File Explorer allows you to use the clipboard to perform common file operations, such as copying, cutting, and pasting files and folders. You can also access the clipboard history to view and manage your copied items.

Batch Renaming

If you need to rename multiple files simultaneously, File Explorer provides a batch renaming feature. This feature allows you to specify a naming pattern and automatically rename files according to that pattern.

File Compression and Extraction

File Explorer includes built-in support for file compression and extraction. You can compress files and folders into a single ZIP file or extract files from a compressed file. This feature is particularly useful when sharing or archiving multiple files together.

File Explorer Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance your File Explorer experience:

Keyboard Shortcuts

File Explorer offers various keyboard shortcuts to expedite common tasks. Here are a few useful keyboard shortcuts:

Ctrl + C	Copy selected files
Ctrl + V	Paste copied files
Ctrl + X	Cut selected files
Ctrl + Shift + N	Create a new folder
F2	Rename selected file or folder
F5	Refresh the current view

Locating File Explorer in Windows 10

File Explorer is a vital tool for navigating your computer and accessing files and folders in Windows 10. To open File Explorer, you have several options:

• Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of the screen, then select "File Explorer" from the list of apps.
• Press the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
• Open the Cortana digital assistant and type "File Explorer" in the search box, then select the File Explorer app.

Once File Explorer is open, you will see a window with a left-hand pane that displays your favorite folders, quick access locations, and a navigation pane that allows you to browse through your computer's file system. You can also access your files and folders using keyboard shortcuts such as Ctrl + X, Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V for cut, copy, and paste functions, respectively. Additionally, you can customize File Explorer's appearance and behavior by accessing its settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

For users new to Windows 10, locating File Explorer may not be immediately obvious. Here are some commonly asked questions about finding File Explorer in Windows 10:

1. How do I access File Explorer in Windows 10?

To access File Explorer in Windows 10, you have a few options:

a. Use the search bar: Click on the magnifying glass icon on your taskbar to open the search bar, then type "File Explorer" and select it from the search results.

b. Use the Start menu: Click on the Windows icon on your taskbar to open the Start menu, then scroll down until you find the "Windows System" folder. Expand the folder and click on "File Explorer" to open it.

2. Can I pin File Explorer to my taskbar?

Yes, you can pin File Explorer to your taskbar for quick access:

a. Locate File Explorer using one of the methods mentioned in the previous answer.

b. Right-click on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar (either in the search bar or the Start menu) and select "Pin to taskbar." Now, you can easily open File Explorer by clicking on its icon in the taskbar.

3. How do I open File Explorer using a keyboard shortcut?

You can open File Explorer using the following keyboard shortcut:

Press the Windows key + E simultaneously, and File Explorer will open.

4. Is there an alternative way to open File Explorer?

Yes, you can also open File Explorer by using the Run dialog:

a. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

b. Type "explorer" in the Run dialog and press Enter. This will open File Explorer.

5. Can I customize the appearance of File Explorer in Windows 10?

Yes, you can customize the appearance of File Explorer in Windows 10:

a. Open File Explorer using one of the methods mentioned earlier.

b. Click on the "View" tab in the File Explorer toolbar. Here, you can choose how your files and folders are displayed, change the icon size, and enable or disable various options.

In conclusion, File Explorer in Windows 10 can be easily accessed from several different methods. The most common way to open File Explorer is by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar. Another way to open it is by pressing the Windows key and the E key simultaneously on your keyboard. Additionally, you can find File Explorer in the Start menu, as well as in the Quick Access menu.

Once you open File Explorer, you can navigate through your files and folders, search for specific files, and perform various actions such as copying, moving, and deleting files. It is an essential tool for managing and organizing your files in Windows 10.