How to Use Undo and Redo in Windows 11 File Explorer

This article explains how to undo or redo actions in File Explorer on Windows 11.

Windows File Explorer is a file manager application included in the Microsoft Windows operating system. A graphical user interface lets you view, copy, move, delete, and rename files and folders and organize them hierarchically.

When you use File Explorer and mistakenly delete, copy, move, and perform similar actions, you can use the ‘Undo‘ command on the context menu to undo the changes.

The ‘Redo‘ command lets you ‘Undo‘ the previous undo action in File Explorer. The ‘Redo’ command is only available after you use the ‘Undo’ command, which lets you restore the last undo.

The ‘Undo’ and ‘Redo’ commands are necessary for File Explorer because they allow users to correct mistakes or reverse actions quickly. For example, if a user accidentally deletes a file or folder, they can quickly undo the delete action using the ‘Undo’ command.

Similarly, suppose a user can restore a recently deleted file or folder. In that case, they can use the ‘Redo’ command to reverse the undo action and restore the file or folder to its previous location. These commands can save users time and frustration by preventing the need to recreate or search for lost files and folders manually.

Use the ‘Undo’ and ‘Redo’ commands in File Explorer

As mentioned, users can quickly undo mistakes in File Explorer using the ‘Undo‘ command.

Here’s how to do it.

First, perform an action in File Explorer, such as deleting, copying, or creating a new folder. Once you do, the ‘Undo‘ command will become available.

If you undo the previous action, the ‘Redo’ command will be available.

Select the ‘Undo‘ command on the context menu or press the keyboard shortcut (CTRL + Z) to undo an action.

Select the ‘Redo‘ command on the context menu or press the keyboard shortcut (CTRL + Y) to redo an action.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• The “Undo” and “Redo” commands in File Explorer are essential for correcting mistakes and reversing actions quickly.
• These commands save time and frustration by preventing the need to recreate or search for lost files and folders manually.
• Users can employ keyboard shortcuts (CTRL + Z for Undo and CTRL + Y for Redo) to perform these actions efficiently.
• The context menu in File Explorer provides quick access to these commands, making them easily accessible for users.