How to open File Explorer on Windows 10
You can open File Explorer in more than one way, and in this guide, we’ll show you nine (plus) methods to complete this task on Windows 10.
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On Windows 10, File Explorer is an essential tool built into the system that allows you to access, delete, create, move, and copy files, whether they are locally stored on the device, in the network, or inside a cloud service likeOneDrive.
Although the process to open the file manager is straightforward, it is not obvious for everyone since there are many ways to complete the task depending on where you are in the system.
In this Windows 10 guide, we will show you virtually every way you can use to open File Explorer on Windows 10.
How to open File Explorer from taskbar
Windows 10 includes many different ways to open File Explorer, but these are the quickest methods.
Open from taskbar
To open the Windows 10 file manager from the taskbar, use these steps:
Alternatively, you can also use theWindows key + Ekeyboard shortcut to open the app quickly.
Open from Quick Link menu
To launch File Explorer from the Quick Link menu, use these steps:
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The steps below will show you several other ways to access the default file manager app on Windows 10.
How to open File Explorer from Start menu
To start File Explorer from the Start menu, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the app will open on the desktop.
Start menu left pane
To open the file manager from the Start left rail, use these steps:
If the option is not available, you may need to enable it using the Settings app.
Show File Explorer icon in Start shortcuts
To show the File Explorer icon in the Start menu, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the option will appear in the left pane on the Start menu.
Windows Search
To run File Explorer from the Windows Search box, use these steps:
Alternatively, you can pin the app into the tile section by right-clicking theFile Explorericon in the Start menu and selecting thePin to Startoption.
How to open File Explorer from Run dialog
To launch the Windows 10 Explorer from the Run dialog box, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, File Explorer will open on Windows 10.
How to open File Explorer from app location
Although it might seem redundant, you can also open the file manager app from its path location.
To open File Explorer from its location, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, a second instance of the app will open on the desktop.
How to open File Explorer from Task Manager
To open the Explorer with Task Manager, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the app will launch on Windows 10.
How to open File Explorer from Command Prompt
To use Command Prompt to run File Explorer, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the command will launch the application on the device.
How to open File Explorer from PowerShell
To use PowerShell to launch the Windows 10 file manager, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, PowerShell will run File Explorer.
How to open File Explorer from desktop icon
To access File Explorer with the “This PC” icon from the desktop, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the “This PC” icon will appear on the desktop, and when you double-click it, the icon will open File Explorer in the “This PC” section.
How to open File Explorer from shortcut
To create a shortcut to open File Explorer, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the shortcut will appear on the desktop with the appropriate icon, which you can double-click to open the file manager application.
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
