How to Open File Explorer

Last Updated: October 15, 2022 Tested

File Explorer is the new file manager for Windows 8 and Windows 10. It has a newer interface compared to its predecessor, Windows Explorer . ^{[1]
X
Research source} File Explorer lets you manage and view your files, browse network locations, share files with your homegroup, and more.

Steps

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid8372210-v4-728px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Click or tap on the file folder icon

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/04\/File_Explorer_Icon.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/File_Explorer_Icon.png\/30px-File_Explorer_Icon.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Original file from Wikipedia: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external free\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:File_Explorer_Icon.png\">https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:File_Explorer_Icon.png<\/a> The file itself is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike license, but the icon itself is under copyright by Microsoft. This icon is used on wikiHow as fair use because it is being used to provide how-to instructions.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

on the taskbar to launch File Explorer. This is the fastest method.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/aid8372210-v4-728px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

2
Use the built-in search.
- Windows 10 users can simply search via the search bar on their taskbar. If that isn't present, press the Start button and begin typing.
- If you're running Windows 8.1, press ⊞ Win + C and select the 🔎 Search charm. Type file explorer and click or tap on the result.
Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/be\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid8372210-v4-728px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":341,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":540,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/aid8372210-v4-728px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

If you are using a touch device, simply hold down instead of right-clicking.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid8372210-v4-728px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

5
Open it via the Start menu/screen.
- Windows 10: Select the
  
  {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/0\/0d\/Windowsstartexplorer.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Windowsstartexplorer.png\/30px-Windowsstartexplorer.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  
  File Explorer folder icon from the left pane.
- Windows 8.1: Press the down arrow with a circle around it (bottom-left of screen) to open your apps list. Look for and select
  
  {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/f\/fe\/Windowswindows7_explorer.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Windowswindows7_explorer.png\/30px-Windowswindows7_explorer.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":30,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows 7 icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  
  File Explorer. Additionally, you can use the search at the top-right hand side of the page.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Open-File-Explorer-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid8372210-v4-728px-Open-File-Explorer-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Hit ↵ Enter or click OK .

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What is the difference between Internet Explorer and File Explorer?

Christopher

Top Answerer

Internet Explorer is an internet browser. File Explorer allows you to explore all the files that exist on your computer (much like a file cabinet).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 17
Question

Will these methods work for older versions of Windows?

Community Answer

This article is primarily for users running Windows 8. 8.1, and 10. If you're running an older version of Windows, see How to Open Windows Explorer .

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 12
Question

Did Microsoft rename Windows Explorer to File Explorer?

Bat 🦇

Top Answerer

Yes. It occurred with the release of Windows 8, alongside the addition of the ribbon.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 10

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Create a shortcut to File Explorer by right-clicking on the desktop and hovering over New and selecting Shortcut from the right. When prompted to type in the item location, input explorer or explorer.exe . Next, give your shortcut a good name (e.g. My Files or File Explorer) and press Finish . ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Pin to the Start menu/screen by right-clicking and selecting Pin to Start . In Windows 8, it will go to your Apps list.
Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Things You'll Need

Device running Windows 10 or 8.1

You Might Also Like

[1]

[2]

Log in

How to Open File Explorer

Steps

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Things You'll Need

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Is this article up to date?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories