File Explorer is a built-in file management tool in Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft. It acts as a gateway to your computer’s file system, offering a graphical representation of folders, files, and drives. This tool enables users to efficiently organize their files, whether it involves searching for specific documents, categorizing files into folders, or managing multimedia files.
By default, File Explorer is always located on the Taskbar. However, for some reason, it may be removed from there. Don’t worry, you can bring it back. In this article, we will discuss different ways by which you can easily open File Explorer on Windows 11.
What is File Explorer?
File Explorer is a built-in tool in the Windows operating system that allows users to navigate, manage, and organize files and folders on their computers.
With File Explorer, you can easily browse through your files and folders, just like you would navigate through physical folders on a desk. It provides a user-friendly interface where you can view files, create new folders, copy and move files, delete unwanted files, and perform various other file-related tasks.
Difference Between Windows Explorer and File Explorer
Windows Explorer and File Explorer are the same file management tools offered by Microsoft. In older versions of the Windows operating system, such as Windows 7 and earlier, it was referred to as Windows Explorer.
On the other hand, File Explorer is the updated and rebranded version introduced in Windows 8, which has persisted in Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, File Explorer boasts a more modern design and enhanced features compared to its predecessor.
It offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier to navigate and organize files. So, if you are using Windows 11, you will be using File Explorer as your go-to file management tool.
How to Open File Explorer on Windows 11
Now that you have a brief idea about File Explorer and its purpose, let’s proceed to explore the methods by which you can open File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC.
1. Using the Taskbar Icon
By default, the Taskbar is a convenient and easily accessible location for opening File Explorer. You can easily open File Explorer using the Taskbar.
However, if for any reason File Explorer is not on the Taskbar, you can easily add it. Follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key and type File Explorer in the Start Menu search bar.
2. Right-click on the File Explorer option. After that, select Pin to Taskbar from the context menu.
3. Locate the File Explorer icon on the Taskbar, which resembles a yellow folder. Click on the File Explorer icon to open the application.
2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the best ways to easily access apps on your Windows device is through keyboard shortcuts. You can open File Explorer using keyboard shortcuts.
This provides a quick and efficient method for accessing File Explorer. Use the following key combination: Windows Key + E to swiftly launch File Explorer.
3. Using Quick Access Menu
The Quick Access Menu provides a shortcut to commonly used features and applications, including File Explorer. It offers a quick and easy way to access File Explorer without having to navigate through multiple menus or search for it.
Here’s how to access using Quick Access Menu:
1. Right-click on the Start button located at the bottom left corner of the screen. This will open the Quick Access Menu.
2. Alternatively, you can press the Windows Key + X on your keyboard to load Quick Access Menu.
3. In the Quick Access Menu, locate and click on File Explorer to open it.
4. Using the Windows Search
The Start Menu in Windows is utilized for searching various apps and files on your PC. It serves as the go-to location for finding applications and files. Through it, you can also open File Explorer. Here’s how:
1. Click on the Start Menu button situated at the bottom left corner of the screen. You can also access the Start Menu by pressing the Windows Key on the keyboard.
2. In the Start Menu, type File Explorer and then click on the Open option.
The Start Menu can also be used as a convenient location to open File Explorer.
5. Using the Run Dialog
The Run dialog is a powerful tool offered by Windows for executing commands quickly.
Follow these steps to open File Explorer using the Run dialog:
1. Press the Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
2. Here, it will open the Run dialog. You need to type the name of the program you want to open. To open File Explorer using this method, type explorer in the Run dialog box.
3. Click OK or press Enter to open File Explorer.
6. Using Command Line
For those familiar with the command line interface, you can also open File Explorer using the Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Here’s how you can open File Explorer via the Command Prompt:
1. Click on the Start Menu icon.
2. Search for the Command Prompt or PowerShell by typing cmd or PowerShell in the search bar. To launch the respective application, click on the Open option.
3. Type explorer and press Enter to open File Explorer.
Here, we have used the Command Prompt but you can also use PowerShell for launching File Explorer. The steps remain exactly the same.
7. Adding File Explorer to the Start Menu
If you frequently use File Explorer, you can even pin it as a permanent icon in the Start Menu. Here’s how to do so:
1. Click on the Start Menu icon. Or, press the Windows key to open it.
2. Here, click on the All Apps option and look for File Explorer. Alternatively, search for File Explorer using the search bar.
3. Right-click on the File Explorer icon from the search results. Select Pin to Start from the context menu.
4. Now, the File Explorer will now appear as a tile in the Start Menu. You can use it to directly open it.
8. Using Task Manager
In addition to the previously mentioned methods, another way to open File Explorer on Windows 11 is by using the Task Manager. The Task Manager is a powerful tool that allows you to manage running processes and applications on your computer.
Here’s how you can open File Explorer using Task Manager:
1. Right-click on the Windows logo at the bottom of the screen and select Task Manager from the context menu. Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together on your keyboard.
2. In the Task Manager window, click on the Run new task option.
3. In the Create new task dialog box, type explorer and click on the OK button. This will instantly open the File Explorer on your system.
9. Add a Special Start Menu Shortcut
In the latest version of the Windows operating system, Windows 11, there is an option to add a special Start Menu shortcut next to the power button. This allows you to add a quick access shortcut for File Explorer to the Start Menu.
Here’s how you can add it to open File Explorer:
1. Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
2. Here, click on the Personalization option from the left pane. Then, choose the Start option to customize the Start menu.
3. Next, look for the Folders option. Then toggle the switch beside File Explorer to turn it On.
4. After that, you will get a small File Explorer icon next to the power button. You can use it to open it.
Conclusion
File Explorer is a tool for managing and organizing files and folders on Windows 11. Whether you access it through the Start Menu, Run Dialog, Command Line, Quick Access Menu, or by adding it to the Start Menu, File Explorer provides a user-friendly interface to navigate through your computer’s file system effortlessly.
By mastering the various methods to open File Explorer on Windows 11, you can enhance your productivity and streamline your file management tasks. That’s it! These are the methods you can use to open File Explorer on Windows 11.
