How to Use Undo and Redo in Windows 11 File Explorer
Made a mistake in Windows 11 File Explorer, like deleting a file or moving a folder accidentally? You can quickly fix it using Undo and Redo.
Undo reverses your most recent action, and Redo reapplies an action you’ve just undone. These commands are super helpful for managing files, especially when you’re working through a bunch of steps. In fact, you can undo up to 100 of your last actions within File Explorer.
To use Undo, press Ctrl+Z on your keyboard right after you take an action. If you accidentally undo something you actually wanted, press Ctrl+Y to Redo it.
Press Ctrl+Z to undo your last action in File Explorer, such as deleting a file. To reapply an action you just undid, press Ctrl+Y to redo it. These shortcuts help you quickly fix mistakes.
What Is File Explorer?
File Explorer is the app you use to see and organize all your files and folders on Windows 11. You can copy, move, delete, or rename files with a few clicks.
What Are Undo and Redo?
Undo
Undo takes back your last action. Deleted the wrong file by accident? Undo brings it back. This saves you time hunting for something you’ve lost.
Redo
Redo does the opposite of Undo. If you press Undo by mistake, Redo puts the action back. What happens? The change you just reversed happens again.
These two commands help you fix mistakes fast without stress.
How to Use Undo and Redo in File Explorer
- Open File Explorer on your computer.
- Delete, copy, move, or rename a file or folder.
- To undo the action, right-click in the File Explorer window. Select Undo from the menu. Or press
CTRL + Zon your keyboard. - To redo an action you just undid, right-click again. Pick Redo from the menu. Or press
CTRL + Y.
You can easily undo or redo actions in Windows 11 File Explorer if you make a mistake. Simply right-click in the File Explorer window and choose Undo or Redo from the menu, or use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+Z for undo and Ctrl+Y for redo.
Right-click menu showing the Undo command
Right-click menu showing the Redo command
Quick Tips
- Press
CTRL + Zto undo your last action fast. - Press
CTRL + Yto redo an action you just undid. - These commands work for deleting, moving, copying, and renaming files.
Summary
Undo and Redo are super helpful tools in Windows 11 File Explorer for fixing mistakes quickly. They let you reverse or repeat actions with just a few clicks or keyboard shortcuts, saving you time and hassle when you accidentally delete or move something.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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