File Explorer is the built-in tool that lets you find, open, organize, and manage files and folders on your PC and in the cloud, whether you’re running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Whether you’re a longtime Windows user or just getting familiar with a new PC, understanding how File Explorer works can save you time and keep your digital life organized.
Opening File Explorer in Windows 11
To open File Explorer in Windows 11, select its icon on the taskbar or the Start menu, or simply press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard. Once open, you’ll land on File Explorer Home, which surfaces your most recently used files and pinned folders so you don’t have to dig through nested directories to find what you need.
Core Actions You’ll Use Every Day
File Explorer supports a handful of everyday actions that make file management straightforward:
- Pin a folder to Quick access — right-click (or press and hold) a folder and select Pin to Quick access so it’s always within reach.
- Share a file — select the file, then choose Share on the ribbon to send it through an app or contact.
- Move a file or folder — select it, choose Cut, navigate to the destination, and select Paste.
- Change the view — select View on the ribbon to switch between icons, lists, details, and more, or choose Compact view to reduce spacing between items.
- Search across devices — search directly from File Explorer Home to find relevant files stored locally and in the cloud.
For cloud search to work properly, make sure you’re signed in to your cloud accounts through Start > Settings > Accounts.
Quick Access and Known Folders
Starting with Windows 11, version 22H2, the well-known Windows folders — Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos — appear by default as pinned folders in Quick access, both on File Explorer Home and in the left navigation pane. These folders are no longer shown under This PC, which keeps that view focused strictly on drives and network locations.
You can pin any folder you like to Quick access by right-clicking (or long-pressing) it and selecting Pin to Quick access. When you no longer need quick access to it, right-click the folder again and choose Unpin from Quick access.
Restoring Known Folders After Unpinning
If you’ve unpinned one of the known folders and want it back, here’s how to restore it:
- Select Start > File Explorer, or open File Explorer directly from the taskbar.
- Select Home in the left navigation pane.
- Click the Up arrow next to the address bar to reveal all six known folders.
- Right-click the folder you want to restore and choose Pin to Quick access.
The folder will reappear in both the navigation pane and File Explorer Home.
Bringing Back a Hidden Navigation Pane
If the left navigation pane has disappeared, you can restore it in a few clicks:
- Open File Explorer from the taskbar or Start menu.
- Select View from the Command Bar.
- Choose Show, then select Navigation Pane.
A Streamlined Context Menu
Windows 11 introduced a redesigned, simplified context menu that puts the most common commands front and center. Right-clicking a file brings up this new menu instantly.
Commands like Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, Share, and Delete sit at the top of the menu, each represented by an icon you can hover over to see its label. If you’re looking for options that were part of the classic Windows 10 context menu, right-click a file or folder and select Show more options. Keep in mind that not every legacy extension has made the jump to the new streamlined menu yet, though they remain accessible under that expanded option, and some third-party apps may add support over time.
Customizing How File Explorer Behaves
Set File Explorer to Open to This PC
By default, File Explorer opens to Home (previously called Quick access), which gives quick access to recent files, favorited Office.com documents, and faster searching across your PC and the cloud. If you’d rather it open to This PC instead, go to See more > Options > Open File Explorer to, select This PC, and click Apply.
Show File Name Extensions
Open File Explorer, select View > Show, then check File name extensions to see the full extension on every file.
Show Hidden Files
Open File Explorer, select View > Show, then check Hidden items to reveal hidden files and folders.
Show Item Checkboxes
Open File Explorer, select View > Show, then check Item check boxes to display a selectable checkbox next to each file and folder — handy for selecting multiple items at once.
File Explorer in Windows 10
Windows 10 support officially ended on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft no longer provides free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for the operating system. Your PC will continue to run, but moving to Windows 11 is recommended for ongoing support and security.
That said, File Explorer in Windows 10 still functions well and shares many of the same core concepts. You can open it by selecting its icon on the taskbar or Start menu, or by pressing the Windows logo key + E.
Some notable Windows 10-specific features include:
OneDrive integration built directly into File Explorer, making cloud files easy to browse alongside local ones.
Quick access as the default landing view, showing frequently used folders and recently opened files right away.
In-app sharing, letting you select files or photos, go to the Share tab, and send them through an app without leaving File Explorer.
Optional libraries, which stay hidden from the left pane unless you enable them via View > Navigation pane > Show libraries.
Managing Quick Access in Windows 10
Pinning and unpinning folders works the same way as in Windows 11 — right-click (or long-press) a folder and choose Pin to Quick access or Unpin from Quick access.
If you’d prefer to see only pinned folders without recent files or frequent folders cluttering the view, go to View > Options, and under the Privacy section, clear the relevant checkboxes before selecting Apply.
You can also remove individual items from Quick access without affecting your pinned folders. Right-click (or long-press) the file or folder you want gone and select Remove from Quick access — it won’t reappear there again, even with regular use.
Adjusting Common Settings in Windows 10
The process for changing common settings differs slightly from Windows 11:
- Set File Explorer to open to This PC: Go to View > Options, then under Open File Explorer to, select This PC and click Apply.
- Show file name extensions: Go to View > Options > Change folder and search options, open the View tab, and under Advanced settings, uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.
- Show hidden files: Follow the same path, and under Advanced settings, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
- Show item checkboxes: Again under Advanced settings, select Use check boxes to select items.
Final Thoughts
File Explorer remains the backbone of file management in Windows, whether you’re pinning your most-used folders to Quick access, cleaning up the view with hidden files revealed, or navigating the streamlined right-click menu in Windows 11. Taking a few minutes to customize these settings — from default landing views to file extension visibility — can make daily file handling noticeably faster and less frustrating. If you’re still on Windows 10, now is a good time to plan your move to Windows 11 given that official support has ended, ensuring you continue receiving security updates and the latest File Explorer improvements.
References
- Microsoft Support. “File Explorer in Windows.” support.microsoft.com.