3 Simple Ways to Open Windows Explorer (File Explorer)

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Explore the files on your Windows PC with this quick guide

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: March 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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Windows 11

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Windows 10 and 8

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Windows 7 and Vista

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Video

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Q&A

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Windows 11

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1
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]
X
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Microsoft Support
Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

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- Alternatively, click the Start menu and click the folder icon.
2
Use a keyboard shortcut (optional). You can open the File Explorer using your keyboard.
- Press Windows key + E.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Windows 10 and 8

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1
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.
2
Click the "Documents" icon. This is the icon between your user icon and Pictures icon. The Documents folder will open in the File Explorer.
- To pin the File Explorer to your taskbar, right-click the icon and click Pin to taskbar.
3
Use a keyboard shortcut (optional). You can open the File Explorer using your keyboard.
- Press Windows key + E.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Windows 7 and Vista

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Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen or press the Windows key.
You should see a folder icon appear at the top of the Start window.
3
Click
Windows 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.
4
Use a keyboard shortcut (optional). You can open Windows Explorer using your keyboard.
- Press Windows key + E.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I back up my files before installing a new OS?

Bat 🦇

Top Answerer

See How to Back Up Data.

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Question

Where is Windows Explorer in Windows 8.1?

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See How to Open File Explorer for specific instructions that apply to newer versions of Windows like 8.1.

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Question

What is the purpose of Windows Explorer?

Community Answer

The purpose of Windows Explorer is to let you view, open, copy, move, and otherwise manage your files and folders.

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