This post shows students and new users how to open and use File Explorer when using Windows 11. It also tells a bit about what File Explorer is, what it is used for and how to get around using it.
File Explorer, alternatively referred to as Windows Explorer or Explorer is a file and folder browser found in every version of Windows. It is used to browse your PC hard drives (internal or external), folders, and files.
Before we even get into File Explorer, don’t confuse File Explorer with Microsoft Internet Explorer. They are two separate apps. Internet Explorer is used to browsing the internet, and File Explorer to browse Windows files and folders.
Below we’ll show you how to find, open and use File Explorer on Windows 11 and some ways to use it.
To get started with reviewing File Explorer on Windows 11, follow the steps below.
How to open File Explorer on Windows 11
There are several ways to open a new File Explorer window. The File Explorer button or icon is default added to Windows Taskbar. The folder icon on the Taskbar is File Explorer.
To open File Explorer, click on the Folder icon on the Taskbar as highlighted above.
File Explorer will open up and display its Quick access content. You can click the “This PC” icon on the left to display your default folders in your home directory.
Another way to open File Explorer is by holding down the Windows key and pressing E on your keyboard.
Yet another way to open File Explorer in Windows 11 is by right-clicking on the Start button on the Taskbar and selecting File Explorer as shown below.
How to use File Explorer in Windows 11
Now that File Explorer is open, you can perform some of these tasks while using File Explorer.
- You can delete files and folders: How to delete files and folders
- You can rename files and folders: How to rename files and folders
- You can map network drives: How to map network drivers
- You can add network locations: How to add network location
- You can search for files and folders: How to search for files
And many more tasks you can perform in File Explorer.
That should do it!
Conclusion:
This post showed you how to open and use File Explorer when using Windows 11. If you find any error above, please use the comment form below to report.
How to open a new File Explorer window (i.e. to compare folder contents or copy files)
The only way I found is to press Windows+E.