Get help with file explorer in windows 10: File explorer can be difficult to handle sometime, here is the solution
Over the years, Windows 10 File Explorer has changed in functionality, feel and look. Regardless, its objective remains to assist you launch, viewing and managing files, documents and photos stored on your PC. Well, you might have used File Explorer since the days it was known as Windows Explorer, but there are a few features you may not have used or heard about in a while.
Your PC might be having plenty of folders and files stored in different locations. Here is where File Explorer in Windows 10 comes in handy as it helps you access these files effortlessly. Some Windows 10 PC users wonder where their documents are stored. In this case, they may need the help of a File Explorer to access the required files.
Suppose you are searching for ways to locate, open and use File Explorer in Windows 10. If so, keep reading this post. You will know and learn much more about some excellent shortcuts and features that may make your life hassle-free.
Simple Ways To Access File Explorer In Windows 10
There’re several ways you can access Windows 10 File Explorer. Check out the most common below.
Windows Start – it’s the most common way. You only need to click Windows Start, type ‘File Explorer, and then tap ‘File Explorer’ from the results.
Power User Task Menu – right-click the ‘Windows Start’ button and tap on File Explorer from the list items. Or else, you can press the Windows logo key + X concurrently to load the power user menu.
Taskbar – you can use Windows 10 taskbar to open File Explorer, but you have to ensure the application is locked on the toolbar first.
This PC – from your PC’s desktop, you may find an icon named ‘This PC’. You can double-click the icon to access File Explorer.
Keyboard Shortcut Key – pressing the Windows Key + E simultaneously is perhaps the easiest way to access File Explorer as it takes you straight into the application.
Cortana Search – click on the Cortana search box, type ‘File Explorer’ and hit enter. Afterwards, File Explorer will open.
File Explorer Interface Basics
If you used the previous Windows Explorer in Windows 7, you would not have a hard time using the present Windows 10 File Explorer. Microsoft simply renamed the application but added other unique features. You will find five categories (Quick Access, This PC, OneDrive, Libraries and Network) located on the left pane after launching this application.
The Quick Access category replaced ‘favourites’ on Windows Explorer. As a result, it lets you drag and drop folders into the location for future ease of Access. The best thing about File Explorer in Windows 10 is that it automatically adds recently used folders to this location.
Quick Access lets you customise it to suit your needs. For instance, you can remove a folder by right-clicking on it and then tapping the ‘unpin from Quick Access option.
File Explorer’s ‘This PC’ replaced ‘My Computer’ on Windows explorer. The category consists of shortcuts to the computer’s user data folders and other drives, including USB and DVD drives.
OneDrive is an extra feature in File Explorer. The component allows you to synchronise your files to the cloud. It will merely enable users to back up their crucial folders and files.
An Overview Of File Explorer Ribbon
The ribbon is located on the top, and it functions similarly to the ribbon included in Microsoft Office applications, like Word and Excel, only that it has slight differences. File Explorer’s ribbon contains the following command tabs on the top-left corner:
Home
This is the default location you will land on after launching File Explorer. It’s a valuable tab that allows you to access most of the commands and tasks easily. The tasks you may perform from the home tab include copying, pasting, renaming or deleting files. You can also open a new folder and Access folder properties.
Share
The tab lets you share folders and files. It comes with several functionalities like emailing, printing and zipping files. You may also burn files to a disc and share them with the local network from this tab.
View
It’s a vital tab in File Explorer that features options for assorting files and controlling file appearance. From the preview pane, you can preview your pictures and documents. What’s more, the preview pane lets you change the preview from large icons that show titles to small icons that show details or even opt to show or hide filename extensions.
How To Pin Frequently Used Commands
First, go to the ‘Quick Access’ toolbar located in File Explorer’s top left corner. As said earlier, the toolbar offers convenient Access to the commands you use often. You can add a command to this section by right-clicking it from the ribbon and tapping ‘add to Quick Access.’
If you need extra space for commands, right-click any space above the tab bar or ribbon and tap ‘show Quick Access toolbar below the ribbon.’ This action makes it a standard toolbar.
How To Modify File Explorer Settings
You can change the settings by tapping the ‘view’ tab on the ribbon and then tapping the ‘options’ icon. This action opens a folder options dialogue that was present in Windows Explorer. It has some additions that allow you to regulate whether File Explorer opens to This PC or Quick Access views. One can also configure it to automatically display frequently and recently used folders stored in the Quick Access view.
Essential Keyboard Shortcuts To Use
File Explorer packs essential keyboard shortcuts that let you accomplish tasks much faster. Here’s a list of the shortcuts:
Windows + E – launch File Explorer window
Alt + D – go to the address bar
Alt + P – show/hide preview pane
Alt + Enter – show folder properties or the selected file
Ctrl + N – it opens a new File Explorer window
Ctrl + E – activate the File Explorer search bar or move to the search box
Ctrl + W – close the presently opened File Explorer window
Ctrl + D – move folder or file to recycle bin
Ctrl + F1 – minimise a File Explorer ribbon
Ctrl + Shift + N – create new folder
Ctrl + L, Alt + D or F4 – focus the address bar to let you begin typing a folder address fast
Ctrl + F, Ctrl + E or F3 -focus the search bar so you can begin typing a search fast
Alt + Up arrow – view the location where the current folder is located
Alt + Right arrow – go forward
Alt + Left Arrow or Backspace – go back
F11 – maximise the File Explorer window
Visit Microsoft’s website to find other useful shortcuts.
How To Use OneDrive
OneDrive uses your Microsoft account to synchronise files online. This application functions like Google Drive, Dropbox or Apple’s iCloud Drive. You only need to move your files or documents to the ‘OneDrive’ folder, and it will automatically upload them to Microsoft servers. This way, you can access the uploaded files from any OneDrive app on your phone, or from another PC by signing into your Microsoft account or from the official OneDrive website.
Accessing Network Drives
Network view holds the media servers, printers and folders shared on your local network. Keep in mind that Windows 10 overlooked the Homegroup feature, so you can’t use them to share folders and files.
Use This PC view to map a network drive. Click on This PC from the sidebar, tap on ‘Computer’ from the ribbon and chose ‘Map Network Drive’ to finish. Provided you perform it correctly, the mapped driver will appear under the network locations.
Wrap Up
Well, you now have detailed info regarding File Explorer. You can favourite this post so you can read it over and over again. If you have any questions regarding this application, do not hesitate to leave a comment below. You can also share vital info you think we might have left with others.
Sources
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/windows10/windows10_file_explorer.htm