Tutorial :- Get Help With File Explorer in Windows – Windows 10 & 11

Get help with file explorer in windows – The area of tech has become so vast and advanced that sometimes we forget basic things. It does not mean that we are not able to understand those basic things, but it means that we neglect them, and sometimes it gets very hard for us to find small features.

For example, File Explorer in windows, we might use multiple times a day, but we never pay attention to all the features and functions related to it even though we use it multiple times a day but still when we need To perform certain tasks, we prefer to get help with file explorer in windows. 

What is File Explorer in Windows?

File Explorer is an integrated function in every Windows operating system. Microsoft rebranded Windows Explorer in Windows 10 as a File Explorer, but the core of the application is the same as Windows Explorer in Windows 7.

It does have some new features and a better interface than Windows 7, and it is a very good application to manage your storage and access files from different drives.

Nowadays, you can easily access Microsoft OneDrive, which is an inbuilt function to access cloud storage from your windows itself.

Similar to Windows Explorer, my computer in Windows 7 was replaced by this PC in Windows 10, but the purpose of both of the functions is the same. 

How To Open File Explorer in Windows?

As you have already learned the history of File Explorer, let’s take a look at How you can easily open File Explorer in windows.

Yes, there are a few different ways you can use to open file Explorer in your Windows operating system. 

• You can press the “Win + E” key, And it will directly open the File Explorer in both Windows 10 and 11. The shortcut will work on your laptop keyboard and externally connected keywords also.
•  Right-click on your Start icon and search for the File Explorer option in the right-click menu. 
• Look at your desktop; you will find an icon named this PC, either double click the icon or right-click and find the option open in the right-click menu.

Get Help With File Explorer in Windows 10 & Windows 11

After reading it till now, I assume that you have understood what File Explorer is and how you can easily open it using different methods.

Now let’s take our learning to the next level and learn more about File Explorer. There are a few functions which you should learn.

Top ribbon

As soon as you open File Explorer in Windows 10 or Windows 11, you will find its top menu with four different options. That menu with four different options is called the ribbon menu. 

By default, it will lead you to the home option in the ribbon menu. But there are three more such as share view and file.

Home option Makes your daily life very easy with small features such as copying and pasting any file. It also has an option where you can copy part of that file, or you can even cut the file to paste it in the future somewhere else.

Apart from that, if you directly want to move any file or folder, you can also do it here, or if you directly want to copy, that option is also available here. 

The section is full of functions such as deleting any file or moving it to recycle. Other than that, you can rename any file or folder, or you can even create a new folder.

All of these functions are well organized in the Home Menu. as it is divided into five different sections according to the functions starting from the clipboard, organize, new, open, and select. All of these performed different tasks.

The share option is divided into three different sections starting from send, share with, and advanced security if you want to share any file using different communication modes such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, or email. 

You can also install any sharing application, and it will directly give an option to share using that specific application also. 

Apart from that, if you want to create a zip file of any folder or a specific file, you can do it here. Simple functions such as print and fax are also available in this section.

Now let’s come to the advanced security setting. Usually, we suggest everyone not to open advanced settings of any file or folder, you may remove any security feature, and your file might stop responding on your device.

The view is one of the most important menus in the ribbon section of File Explorer in Windows 10 and 11. Just like other options, the view section is also divided into five different subsections.

Starting from Pane, Layout, current view, and show hide. In the Pane section, you can make small changes if you want to take your productivity and speed to the next level. You can either show details of any file in a small section on the right side of the display, or you can also show a small preview.

The layout options are very organized, and they will allow you to change the style of files. For example, if you want to use an extra-large icon or a large icon with a small preview, you can change it here. If you want your files in a tile section or list section, you can also do it here.

In the current view section, you can sort your files by name, size, modified date, or categories. Apart from that, you can group or add more columns to organize all of your files.

Last but not least, if you want to hide any file or show any hidden file, you can do it here. 

One drive

The next major function in the File Explorer, which was recently introduced, was one drive cloud service. One drive is a cloud service developed by Microsoft, and now it is an integrated function in every Windows operating system. You can easily access your one cloud account from the File Explorer itself.

Fix Your Not Working File Explorer

Now let’s take a look at all the possible solutions to not working File Explorer. Many times due to different reasons, your file Explorer might stop responding, and you will not be able to open it using any of the matters possible.

System Update

Many times due to bugs, your file explorer might stop responding and fixing any bug; you have to update your windows.

Kindly follow the steps given below to check for any available updates if your file Explorer is not working.

First of all click on the start > settings > update and security > Windows Update > Check for Updates.

Corrupted Files

Due to many corrupted files, your file Explorer might stop responding, and you have to check manually for any corrupted files. After checking it, you might not get File Explorer not responding to the issue. 

• First of all, press Windows+R, it will open run, and after that, you have to type CMD and press OK.
• As soon as you press OK, it will open the command prompt.
• In the command prompt, you have to type “SFC/scannow and press enter.

If there is any corrupted file, the commands will fix that file, and you will be able to open your file, Explorer.

Important Shortcuts of File Explorer in Windows

Every operating system has some shortcuts in its pocket. Similarly, in windows, there are many important shortcuts for File Explorer. You can use these shortcuts to navigate. It can take your productivity and speed to a much higher level.

• Windows+E – it can open the File Explorer window. It can work from anywhere in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• Ctrl+N – it can open a new File Explorer window with the same folder. This only works in File Explorer itself. Commonly it is known as a duplicate feature.
• Ctrl+W – you can press it to close the current File Explorer window.
• Ctrl+Mouse wheel Up or Down – it can change the size of files and folder icons, which is similar to zooming in or out.
• Ctrl+Shift+N – this shortcut will create a new folder
• Backspace or Alt+Left arrow – It can take you back to the previous folder.
• Alt+Up arrow – The shortcut will allow you to view the folder the current folder is in.
• Ctrl+F, Ctrl+E, or F3 – Focus the Search box so you can quickly start typing a search.
• Ctrl+L, Alt+D, or F4 – Focus the address (location) bar so you can quickly start typing a folder address.
• F11 – Maximize the File Explorer window. Press F11 again to shrink the window. This works in web browsers, too.

Takeaways

File Explorer in Windows is an amazing feature. It is an integrated application that allows you two to perform various tasks—starting from access to any file saved on the hard disk to all the way to that file permanently.

Even though it is a very simple application, many times, people find it very hard to work around it. We covered each and every aspect of the File Explorer with our writing.

You don’t have to go anywhere to get help with file explorer in windows.