So you want to open File Explorer in your Windows PC? Don’t worry, as you’re at the right place. In this article we’ve laid down all the different ways to launch File Explorer in Windows 10 or Windows 11. But before we dive into that, let’s go over a little background…
The File Explorer, sometimes also referred to as the Windows Explorer, is a GUI component in Windows that lets you view and manage other files and folders of your Windows operating system.
It goes without saying that it’s an essential aspect of modern Windows operating system, without which the user interface becomes considerably difficult. Although, we can use the Command line as our escape in those situations, the dull all-black interface is not everyone’s cup of tea.
So now that we understand the importance of File Explorer app, let’s look at some of the easiest ways to open it.
1. Right-click on Start menu
Go to the Start menu search bar at the bottom and right-click on the Start menu bar. From the list (called Power menu), select File Explorer. Or alternatively, press the Windows Key + X.
The File Explorer will be successfully launched.
2. Start menu search
The Start menu search bar is the oldest tool for looking up things in Windows operating system. So naturally, you can also use it to open File Explorer in Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Click on the Start menu search bar from below, type in ‘file explorer,’ and select the Best match.
The File Explorer will be launched.
3. Use a keyboard shortcut
If you like to remember shortcuts, then you’d find this method very handy. Simply press the Windows key + E shortcut, and the File Explorer will be launched.
Simple right?
4. Command Prompt
The Command prompt is a command line interface for the Windows operating system. It helps you interact with your PC without the use of a graphical user interface (GUI).
Although not the first thing which comes to mind when thinking of opening a File explorer, the Command prompt can surely get the job done if other ways fail for some reason. Here’s how:
First, launch the Command prompt. Go to the Start menu, type in ‘command prompt,’ and select the Best match. In the Command prompt, type in ‘explorer,’ and hit Enter.
The File Explorer will be opened at the “This PC” location.
Related: Command Prompt basics: Starting and stopping processes
5. Run dialog box
The Run dialog box is a small, sneaky utility that’s a powerhouse in its own right. You can use it to access various files or folders, documents and other useful things in your Windows computer.
Here’s how you can get started:
Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. In the Open box, type ‘explorer’ and hit Enter. File Explorer will be launched.
6. Taskbar
A taskbar is the graphical user interface located at the bottom of Windows. It can interestingly also be used for launching the File Explorer. Simply look for and click on the folder icon, and the File Explorer will open up.
Opening File Explorer in Windows 10 or Windows 11
And that’s all the different ways to open File Explorer in Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system. We hope one of the methods helped you open the File Explorer without any hassles, letting you do whatever you wanted to do on your PC.
