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The Windows Explorer (or File Explorer) allows you to find and browse all the files on your computer. Whether you're running Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, or earlier, you can easily open this tool in the Start menu or with a quick keyboard shortcut. Here's how to open Windows Explorer on your Windows desktop computer or laptop.
Finding and Starting Windows File Explorer
To open the File Explorer in Windows 10 or 11, click the folder icon in the taskbar. You can also use the keyboard shortcut: Windows key + E.
Steps
Click the folder icon on the taskbar. By default, this will be on your Windows taskbar at the bottom of your screen. This will open the File Explorer immediately.[1]- Alternatively, click the Start menu and click the folder icon.
Use a keyboard shortcut (optional). You can open the File Explorer using your keyboard.- Press Windows key + E.
Click the Start menu. This will be in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- On Windows 8, instead hover your mouse in the upper-right corner of the screen, then click the magnifying glass icon.
Use a keyboard shortcut (optional). You can open the File Explorer using your keyboard.- Press Windows key + E.
Open the Start menu. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen or press the Windows key.
Type windows explorer into Start. You should see a folder icon appear at the top of the Start window.
ClickWindows Explorer. It's the folder-shaped icon at the top of the Start window. Doing so will open the Windows Explorer app.
- With Windows Explorer open, you can "pin it" to your taskbar which will allow you to launch Windows Explorer with a single click. Right-click the Windows Explorer icon at the bottom of the screen, then click Pin to taskbar.
Use a keyboard shortcut (optional). You can open Windows Explorer using your keyboard.- Press Windows key + E.
Community Q&A
- QuestionHow do I back up my files before installing a new OS?
Bat 🦇Top AnswererSee How to Back Up Data. - QuestionWhere is Windows Explorer in Windows 8.1?Bat 🦇Top AnswererSee How to Open File Explorer for specific instructions that apply to newer versions of Windows like 8.1.
- QuestionWhat is the purpose of Windows Explorer?
Community AnswerThe purpose of Windows Explorer is to let you view, open, copy, move, and otherwise manage your files and folders.
Video
Tips
References
About This Article
1. Open Start.
2. Type File Explorer (Windows 10 and 8) or Windows Explorer (Windows 7 and Vista).
3. Click the matching result.
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