How to open File Explorer on Windows 10

After you complete the steps, the command will launch the application on the device.

Windows 10 – File Explorer

File Explorer is the file management application used by Windows operating systems to browse folders and files. It provides a graphical interface for the user to navigate and access the files stored in the computer.

The main way to access the File Explorer is by clicking the folder icon in the Taskbar. After clicking the icon, the File Explorer window will open.

The initial File Explorer window is comprised of the following sections −

• The File Explorer ribbon, which resembles the ribbon featured in Microsoft Office. The ribbon contains buttons for common tasks to perform with your files and folders.
• The Navigation Pane gives you access to your libraries of documents and pictures, as well as your storage devices. It also features frequently used folders and network devices.
• The Frequent folders section on the right features the folders you’ve worked with recently to allow for quick access to them.
• The Recent files section in the lower part of the window features files and documents that you’ve opened recently.

The File Explorer Ribbon

In Windows 10, the File Explorer features a new ribbon toolbar, similar to the one featured in the recent versions of Microsoft Office. This ribbon contains buttons and commands for the most common tasks.

The Ribbon features four tabs, each with different commands. Among the tasks you can perform from the Home tab are −

• Copying and pasting files and folders from one place to another.
• Moving files and folders to another location.
• Copying files and folders to another location.
• Deleting a file or folder permanently or sending it to the Recycle Bin.
• Renaming a file or folder.
• Creating a new folder or other new items.
• Verifying or modifying the Properties of a document or folder.
• Opening a file or folder.
• Different options to select one or various files and folders.

The Share ribbon gives you different options to share your files and folders. For example −

• E-mailing or messaging a file.
• Compressing (“Zip”) a folder to take less space.
• Printing or faxing documents.
• Sharing with other users or networks.

The View ribbon allows you to change the way Windows displays your files and folders. Some of the changes you can make here are −

• Adding additional panes to show a preview or details of your files.
• Changing the layout of the files and folders from icons to list, and others.
• Sorting and arranging the contents of your folder.
• Hiding selected folders or files.

The File tab opens a menu with different options like −

• Opening an additional File Explorer window.
• Opening command windows for advanced users.
• Changing or configuring options about how File Explorer behaves.

How to open File Explorer on Windows 10

You can open File Explorer in more than one way, and in this guide, we’ll show you nine (plus) methods to complete this task on Windows 10.

Windows 10 open File Explorer (Image credit: Windows Central )

On Windows 10, File Explorer is an essential tool built into the system that allows you to access, delete, create, move, and copy files, whether they are locally stored on the device, in the network, or inside a cloud service like OneDrive.

Although the process to open the file manager is straightforward, it is not obvious for everyone since there are many ways to complete the task depending on where you are in the system.

In this Windows 10 guide, we will show you virtually every way you can use to open File Explorer on Windows 10.

• How to open File Explorer from taskbar
• How to open File Explorer from Start menu
• How to open File Explorer from Run dialog
• How to open File Explorer from app location
• How to open File Explorer from Task Manager
• How to open File Explorer from Command Prompt
• How to open File Explorer from PowerShell
• How to open File Explorer from desktop icon
• How to open File Explorer from shortcut

How to open File Explorer from taskbar

Windows 10 includes many different ways to open File Explorer, but these are the quickest methods.

Open from taskbar

To open the Windows 10 file manager from the taskbar, use these steps:

1. Click the File Explorer (yellow folder in the blue tray) icon in the taskbar.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Alternatively, you can also use the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut to open the app quickly.

Open from Quick Link menu

To launch File Explorer from the Quick Link menu, use these steps:

1. Right-click the Start button to open the Quick Link menu.
2. Click on File Explorer.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

The steps below will show you several other ways to access the default file manager app on Windows 10.

How to open File Explorer from Start menu

To start File Explorer from the Start menu, use these steps:

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, the app will open on the desktop.

Start menu left pane

To open the file manager from the Start left rail, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Click the File Explorer icon from the left pane.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

If the option is not available, you may need to enable it using the Settings app.

Show File Explorer icon in Start shortcuts

To show the File Explorer icon in the Start menu, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Start.
4. Click the Choose which folders appear on Start option.

1. Turn on the Windows Explorer toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, the option will appear in the left pane on the Start menu.

Windows Search

To run File Explorer from the Windows Search box, use these steps:

1. Click the Search box.
2. Search for File Explorer and click on the top result.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Alternatively, you can pin the app into the tile section by right-clicking the File Explorer icon in the Start menu and selecting the Pin to Start option.

How to open File Explorer from Run dialog

To launch the Windows 10 Explorer from the Run dialog box, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Run and click the top result to open the Run dialog.
3. Type the following command and click the OK button. explorer

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, File Explorer will open on Windows 10.

How to open File Explorer from app location

Although it might seem redundant, you can also open the file manager app from its path location.

To open File Explorer from its location, use these steps:

1. Open Start.Quick tip: You can also use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
2. Search for Run and click the top result to open the interface.
3. Type the following path and click the OK button: C:\Windows

1. Double-click the explorer.exe file to launch the app.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, a second instance of the app will open on the desktop.

How to open File Explorer from Task Manager

To open the Explorer with Task Manager, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Task Manager and click the top result to open the app.Quick tip: You can also right-click the taskbar and select the Task Manager option to access the app. Or you can use the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut.
3. Click the File menu.
4. Select the Run new task option.

1. Type the following command and click the OK button: explorer

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, the app will launch on Windows 10.

How to open File Explorer from Command Prompt

To use Command Prompt to run File Explorer, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt and click the top result to open the console.
3. Type the following command and press Enter: explorer

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

After you complete the steps, the command will launch the application on the device.

How to open File Explorer from PowerShell

To use PowerShell to launch the Windows 10 file manager, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for PowerShell and click the top result to open the console.
3. Type the following command and press Enter: explorer

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, PowerShell will run File Explorer.

How to open File Explorer from desktop icon

To access File Explorer with the “This PC” icon from the desktop, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Themes.
4. Under the “Related Settings” section, click the Desktop icon settings.

1. Under the “Desktop icons” section, check the Computer option.

1. Click the Apply button.
2. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, the “This PC” icon will appear on the desktop, and when you double-click it, the icon will open File Explorer in the “This PC” section.

How to open File Explorer from shortcut

To create a shortcut to open File Explorer, use these steps:

1. Right-click on the desktop.
2. Select the New submenu and choose the Shortcut option.

1. Type the following path to File Explorer and click the Next button: C:\Windows\explorer.exe

1. Confirm a name for the shortcut – for example, File Explorer.

1. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, the shortcut will appear on the desktop with the appropriate icon, which you can double-click to open the file manager application.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

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