File Explorer is an essential part of Windows; without this, its pretty impossible to fully utilize Windows.
Many of us still dont know how to use it more efficiently.
We can do much more with File Explorer.
For instance, we can change the theme color of the File Explorer program.
We can also customize the Quick Access area according to our preferences.
Theres a lot more to learn about the File Explorer program.
Heres why weve created this guide that explains all the essential functions of File Explorer thoroughly.
What File Explorer Is Used for in Windows 11?
For instance, whatever we download from the internet on our PC is directly stored in theDownloadssection.
In case the downloaded file is a PNG or JPG file, then it can be viewed in bothDownloadsandPhotossections.
Hence, this makes file management much easier.
The list of File Explorers functions keeps increasing as we keep using it.
This was a basic overview of the File Explorer program in Windows 11.
How to Open File Explorer in Windows 11?
There are seven methods to pop swing open the File Explorer program in Windows 11.
Here in this section, weve explained all the methods in detail.
In the taskbar, look for theFile Explorer iconanddouble-clickon it to launch it.
it’s possible for you to now fire up the File Explorer program from the taskbar.
Using Windows Search Box
Another easy way to access programs in Windows is using theWindows Search Box.
you might use the Windows Search Box to initiate the File Explorer program anytime.
2.Now, typeFile Explorerandselect itfrom theBest matchsection to launch it.
2.Move to theFalphabet in theAll appssection and look forFile Explorerin the same section.
3.Lastly, click onFile Explorerto launch it.
Once done, the File Explorer program will open on your PC.
you might alsocreate a shortcutfor File Explorer and place it on the desktop.
Itll be available to use all the time and present on the desktop.
2.Next, selectShortcutfrom theNewdropdown menu to create a new shortcut for the File Explorer.
3.Now, enterexplorer.exein theType the location of the itemtext box, and clickNextto proceed further.
4.After that, enterFile Explorerin theType a name for this shortcuttext box and clickFinish.
Once done, youll see the File Explorer shortcut on your desktop.
Simplydouble-clickon the shortcut to open File Explorer.
2.Next, enterexplorer.exein theRun dialogs search boxand press theEnterkey.
We can also useTerminal and CMDto launch the File Explorer program.
So, bring up the console on your system and typeexplorer.exe.
Once done, press theEnter keyto spin up the File Explorer program.
Youll now see the File Explorer opened in front of you.
you’re able to launch the Windows File Explorer by pressing theWindows + Ekeyboard shortcut.
You should now open File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC.
Without these categories, File Explorer is just a file management tool with no sorting abilities.
Thus, its important to understand the categories section properly to use it efficiently.
This is why weve explained all the categories mentioned in the left navigation pane in detail.
Lets read about them below.
Youll find yourself navigating to Downloads more often as we keep downloading different files from the web.
It doesnt matter what the file format is; all the file formats will be shown there.
you’ve got the option to move to the Documents section by selectingDocumentsin the left navigation pane.
Pictures:In the Pictures section, youll find all the images stored in your storage.
Videos:The Videos section displays all the video files stored on your Windows 11 PC storage.
Music:In the end, the Music section shows all the melodies saved on your systems storage.
Also, if you download tunes using the web web client, theyll be displayed in this section.
Here in this section, weve explained all three menus and the options in a detailed manner.
But still, well recall them as these are the parts of File Explorer.
Lets remember them with a simple example.
How would you do it using these options?
And then copy and paste it to the desired location.
Heres an alternate way that involves the use of the Copy and Paste function.
you might also group documents by different filters, which makes sorting much easier.
Most importantly, this is the menu to enable/disablePreview Pane,Navigation Pane, andDetails.
One of the most important options in the menu isOptionswhich sends you to theFile Explorer Optionssection.
So, check all the keyboard shortcuts mentioned in the below table and try them.
you’re free to customize this section according to your preferences.
For instance, you might pin important folders and files, remove recent folders, and do much more.
you might also unpin them when you want.
you’re able to now see the same item in the left navigation panel and theHome pageunderQuick Access.
2.Then,right-punch the selected iteminQuick AccessandselectUnpin to Quick accessfrom the contextual menu to remove it from Quick Access.
We already know what Quick Access is and its use.
The Recent Files section lists the most recent files and documents you opened on your PC.
2.In theGeneralsection, uncheck theShow recently used filesandShow recently used folderscheckboxes.
2.SelectPrintfrom the context menu and follow the on-screen instructions to continue printing the document.
How to Customize the File Explorer Interface
We all have now learned to use File Explorer properly.
Its now time to learn to customize the File Explorer to make it look how we want it to.
For instance, whether the content should be displayed in theList vieworTiles view.
2.Then, select betweenList, Details, Tiles,orContent Layout.
By default, it would be set to Tiles.
But you might try all sets of layouts and keep what suits you better.
But you could change the icon size according to your taste.
you could enable this option right from theViewmenu.
2.Now, hover the arrow onShowand ensure theres a tick next to thePreview pane.
If not,clickon the Preview Pane to enable it.
However, there isnt any option to enable dark mode, especially for File Explorer.
For that, we need to use all system apps in dark mode.
2.Click onColorsto initiate the color configs and set theChoose your modeoption toCustom.
3.Then, set theChoose your default app modeoption toDarkto make the background of all Windows apps black.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Repair File Explorer in Windows 11?
We suggestrestarting the systemto repair the File Explore program in Windows 11.
Is File Explorer Different in Windows 11?
File Explorer in the new Windows 11 is mostly similar to Windows 10 File Explorer.
How Do I Fix File Explorer Problems?
This is because it requires a substantial amount of storage to run properly.
Why Does File Explorer Not Work in Windows 11?
There could be several reasons behind the ill-functioning of the File Explorer program.
In some cases, its found thatcorrupted cache fileslead to this issue.
At the same time, some users reported thatinsufficient storagecaused this issue with the File Explorer app.
Can I Uninstall and Reinstall File Explorer?
We Did It!
So, how was it?
Wasnt it easy to use the File Explorer program of the new Windows 11?
File Explorer is integral to Windows OS, and everyone should know how to use it efficiently.
Otherwise, they cant make the most out of Windows.
Do let us know whether this guide was helpful to you.
Also, share it with someone new to Windows and struggling to use Windows File Explorer.
