Skip to main content
Tech Radar TechRadar the technology experts
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
RSS
Asia
flag of Singapore
Singapore
Europe
flag of Danmark
Danmark
flag of Suomi
Suomi
flag of Norge
Norge
flag of Sverige
Sverige
flag of UK
UK
flag of Italia
Italia
flag of Nederland
Nederland
flag of België (Nederlands)
België (Nederlands)
flag of France
France
flag of Deutschland
Deutschland
flag of España
España
North America
flag of US (English)
US (English)
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of México
México
Australasia
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of New Zealand
New Zealand
  • Phones
  • Computing
  • TVs
  • AI
  • Streaming
  • Health
  • Audio
  • VPN
  • More
    • Cameras
    • Home
    • News
    • Reviews
    • Opinion
    • How to
    • Versus
    • Deals
    • Coupons
    • Best
Tech Radar Pro
Tech Radar Gaming
Trending
  • Amazon Prime Day
  • Back to school
  • Nintendo Switch 2
  • Best VPN
  • ChatGPT
  • NYT Wordle today
  • Best laptop
  • Best web hosting
Recommended reading
Windows 10 Fail
Windows Microsoft finally fixes Windows 11’s folders so they open much faster with new update – but it's still not quick enough for my liking
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge
Windows Windows 11 is getting more AI shortcuts, but is Microsoft in danger of cluttering up the OS with AI creep?
A woman sitting outside in a public space and using a laptop while seated at one of the tables
Windows Windows 11 users are getting fixes for some longstanding bugs in 24H2 today, including the cure for a seriously annoying File Explorer glitch
Person using a laptop.
Windows Windows 11 is about to get a nifty shortcut for copying out all the text from an image
Asus Zenbook A14 laptop
Windows Windows 11’s big Start menu revamp is real – Microsoft has shared a first look at the redesign, and I’m very glad to see it
Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop
Windows Windows 11 gets more AI upgrades we didn’t ask for – as Copilot pops up on the desktop and Microsoft Store
The Asus Vivobook S 15 Copilot+ in silver pictured on a wooden desk.
Windows Microsoft could offer a guided tour of the Copilot app to help Windows 11 newbies, but I’m still waiting for the big changes to the AI assistant
  1. Computing
  2. Software
  3. Windows

How to use File Explorer in Windows 10

How-to
By Tim Hardwick published 15 April 2016

Do more with your PC files

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Get the best out of File Explorer

Get the best out of File Explorer

Computers have used the idea of folders to store our files in for decades now. Before Windows, with its visual interface, came along, we had to interact with our PCs using a command line – a single flashing cursor floating in a sea of black.

Back then, you would type in commands to reveal a computer's 'directory structure' and move up and down a hierarchy of folders. Happily, Windows saved us from all that. By using folders, today's File Explorer reveals a PC's directory structure as branches of a tree, making organising files simpler and navigating between folders altogether easier.

File Explorer also lets you perform file-specific actions with a click of the mouse and quickly find the file you want using a simple word or phrase. Read on to discover how File Explorer can make managing your files a breeze.

Page 1 of 11
Page 1 of 11
1. Open File Explorer

1. Open File Explorer

Start by opening File Explorer. You can do this a number of ways. By default, Windows 10 includes a shortcut to the application on the taskbar: click the icon that looks like a folder and File Explorer opens.

You can also type the name of the app into the search box and press [Enter]. Alternatively, hold down the

[Windows key]+[E] on your keyboard for a fast-finger shortcut.

Page 2 of 11
Page 2 of 11
2. Quick Access

2. Quick Access

The left-hand navigation pane in File Explorer is the Quick Access area. It acts like a bookmarks bar for your favourite folders and any frequently accessed areas on your PC. You can 'pin' any folder here (the folder remains in its original location) to save you digging around for it later.

To do so, right-click the folder in question and select 'Pin to Quick Access' from the menu.

Page 3 of 11
Page 3 of 11
3. Pinned folders

3. Pinned folders

A pinned folder is basically a virtual link to a folder located elsewhere on your PC, but that doesn't stop it from working like any other folder. For example, drag and drop an item onto a pinned folder and it will be moved into it (or copied into it, if it's on another physical drive).

To remove a folder from the Quick Access menu, right-click it and select 'Remove from Quick Access'.

Page 4 of 11
Page 4 of 11
4. Ribbon interface

4. Ribbon interface

The ribbon interface is home to File Explorer's more advanced functions, which we'll look at in the next step. For now, you can reveal the interface by clicking the Home, Share or View buttons at the top of the window.

To make the ribbon permanently visible, click the downward-pointing icon next to the folder name in the header and uncheck 'Minimize the Ribbon'.

Page 5 of 11
Page 5 of 11
5. Home tab

5. Home tab

Clicking the Home tab reveals commonly used (and useful) file and folder actions, such as cutting, copying and pasting to the virtual clipboard. The clipboard works as a temporary 'holding pen' for items when you're reorganising files and folders.

The other Home buttons include actions such as move, copy, delete, rename, new item (file, folder etc) and selection tools.

Page 6 of 11
Page 6 of 11
6. Share tools

6. Share tools

To send a file or folder to someone, open the Share tab. Here you'll find options to share an item over email or to zip it first (this is recommended for large files).

Alternatively, you can burn items to disc, print or fax a document, and also share files with other people on your local network. Click the first Share button and Windows will let you choose which app to use.

Page 7 of 11
Page 7 of 11
7. View tab

7. View tab

Using the View tab, you can get rid of the left-hand navigation pane and Quick Access menu. You can also hide the Preview pane (used to show larger versions of media files, for instance) and the Details pane (which lists more technical info).

You can make icons bigger or smaller, change sort order and hide items; Windows remembers preferences for each folder.

Page 8 of 11
Page 8 of 11
8. Picture tools

8. Picture tools

Click on an image and you'll notice a Manage tab appear in the Ribbon and the phrase 'Picture Tools' highlighted above it. Click the tab for options to rotate the selected picture 90 degrees left or right – click again to continue the selected rotation.

You can also start a slideshow of all or selected images (click-drag a selection box over several), or set one as your desktop wallpaper.

Page 9 of 11
Page 9 of 11
9. Search bar

9. Search bar

Don't overlook the search bar, which sits right of the location bar. Type a word or phrase here and your search will be limited to the currently open folder (and any subfolders therein).

If your search term occurs within any documents that live inside the open folder, they will also show in the results. Right-click a result and select 'Open file location' to see precisely where it is.

Page 10 of 11
Page 10 of 11
10. This PC

10. This PC

Don't like the way File Explorer opens with your most recently accessed files and folders? Perhaps you'd prefer an overview of your PC's home folders, local drives and network locations on opening? Click 'File' and select 'Change folder and search options.'

Click the 'Open File Explorer to' box at the top of the window and select 'This PC' instead of 'Quick access.' Done!

  • Enjoyed this article? Discover how to get the most from your PC and new things to do in Windows Help & Advice. Take advantage of an exclusive offer in our sampler today.
Page 11 of 11
Page 11 of 11
TOPICS
Windows 10
Tim Hardwick
See more Computing How Tos
Read more
Windows 10 Fail
Microsoft finally fixes Windows 11’s folders so they open much faster with new update – but it's still not quick enough for my liking
Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge
Windows 11 is getting more AI shortcuts, but is Microsoft in danger of cluttering up the OS with AI creep?
A woman sitting outside in a public space and using a laptop while seated at one of the tables
Windows 11 users are getting fixes for some longstanding bugs in 24H2 today, including the cure for a seriously annoying File Explorer glitch
Person using a laptop.
Windows 11 is about to get a nifty shortcut for copying out all the text from an image
Asus Zenbook A14 laptop
Windows 11’s big Start menu revamp is real – Microsoft has shared a first look at the redesign, and I’m very glad to see it
Man having Windows 11 problems with his laptop
Windows 11 gets more AI upgrades we didn’t ask for – as Copilot pops up on the desktop and Microsoft Store
Latest in Windows
Windows 10's grave
Confused by a mysterious update that's suddenly appeared on your Windows 10 PC? Don't panic – here's what you need to know
Mature man using laptop in a cafe, looking annoyed
Microsoft just gave the Windows 11 Notepad app a controversial feature that people are either loving or hating
Frustrated unhappy laptop user girl touching head at work table with computer
'It's obvious that users are frustrated': consumer rights group accuses Microsoft of not providing a 'viable solution' for Windows 10 users who can't upgrade to Windows 11
Woman disgusted by her laptop
No, Windows 11 PCs aren't 'up to 2.3x faster' than Windows 10 devices, as Microsoft suggests – here's why that's an outlandish claim
Upset PC gamer with head in hands by his PC
I don't generally recommend downloading Windows 11's preview updates, but some gamers may want to chance Microsoft's latest effort
A young woman is working on a laptop in a relaxed office space.
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 25H2, and in some ways, I'm glad we're not getting a major update like Windows 12 this year
Latest in How Tos
Henry Lloyd-Hughes as DS Nathan Rose in Ragdoll
How to watch Ragdoll on BBC iPlayer (it's free)
Novak Djokovic plays a forehand at Wimbledon 2025
How to watch Evans vs Djokovic online: live stream Wimbledon 2025 tennis FREE
Google Chrome logo on desktop and mobile
How to private browse in Chrome on Windows, Android and ChromeOS
The ball for Women's Euro 2025
How to watch Women's Euro 2025: live stream soccer options, TV channels, watch for FREE, Day 2 fixtures
Coco Gauff practicing for Wimbledon 2025
How to watch Yastremska vs Gauff at Wimbledon 2025 on BBC iPlayer (it's free)
Jamie Smith and Joe Root celebrate after walking off unbeaten in their test victory against India at Headingley, Leeds.
How to watch England vs India 2nd Test: Live stream cricket online – India 310-5 after Day 1 Gill century
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. 1
    Romero Games has lost funding for its next, unannounced game, with one staffer claiming the 'whole studio' has been laid off due to Microsoft cuts
  2. 2
    ChatGPT and other AI tools could be putting users at risk by getting company web addresses wrong
  3. 3
    India leads the 10 countries restricting internet access in 2025
  4. 4
    This $650 Motorola discount at Best Buy is the best price I’ve ever seen for a great foldable phone
  5. 5
    I test action cameras for a living, and 44% off the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini is the early Prime Day deal to get

TechRadar is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Web notifications
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...