3 Simple Ways to Open Windows Explorer (File Explorer)

PDF download Download Article
Explore the files on your Windows PC with this quick guide
PDF download Download Article

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

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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.
  2. You can open the File Explorer using your keyboard.
    • Press Windows key + E .
    3. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Windows 10 and 8

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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. 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. You can open the File Explorer using your keyboard.
    • Press Windows key + E .
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Windows 7 and Vista

PDF download Download Article
  1. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen or press the Windows key.
  2. You should see a folder icon appear at the top of the Start window.
  3. 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. You can open Windows Explorer using your keyboard.
    • Press Windows key + E .
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I back up my files before installing a new OS?
    Bat 🦇
    Top Answerer
    See How to Back Up Data .
    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 5 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Where is Windows Explorer in Windows 8.1?
    Bat 🦇
    Top Answerer
    See How to Open File Explorer for specific instructions that apply to newer versions of Windows like 8.1.
    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 5 Helpful 12
  • 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.
    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 3 Helpful 8
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      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!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Open File Explorer
      How to
      Restart Windows Explorer Without Rebooting Computer
      How to
      Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      How to
      Check Your Windows Version
      How to
      Find Your Windows Product Key
      Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC
      How to
      Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      How to
      Start Windows in Safe Mode: 6 Easy Options
      5 Quick Ways to Change Your Desktop Wallpaper on Windows
      4 Easy Ways to Access the Boot Options Menu in Windows
      How to
      Access the BIOS on Any PC: Guide + Troubleshooting
      How to
      Disable BitLocker Encryption in Windows 10 and 11
      3 Easy Ways to Move a Full Screen Game to Another Monitor
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-and-open-file-explorer-ef370130-1cca-9dc5-e0df-2f7416fe1cb1#WindowsVersion=Windows_11

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Start .
      2. Type File Explorer (Windows 10 and 8) or Windows Explorer (Windows 7 and Vista).
      3. Click the matching result.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 874,916 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement