As the native file manager on Windows PC, File Explorer makes it easy to access and modify system and personal files on internal storage drives and connected USB drives. Given how often we depend on it, I will share some easy ways to open File Explorer on Windows.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Using Windows keyboard shortcuts is one of the easiest ways to open any app on your Windows 11 PC. The operating system provides several keyboard shortcut combinations to help you launch frequently used apps like the Run command dialog box, Settings app, Task Manager, and more.
To quickly access File Explorer using keyboard shortcuts, simply press Win + E.
Using the Taskbar or Start Menu
Another easy way to launch a File Explorer window with a single click is from the Windows Taskbar. You should see it in the Taskbar by default. If not, you can access it from the Start Menu.
You will find the File Explorer icon in the Pinned section of the Start Menu by default. You can click the app icon to open a new File Explorer window. Or, you can right-click it and choose Pin to taskbar for easy access.
If you don’t find the icon in the Start menu, you can access File Explorer by typing file explorer in the search bar and clicking the first result.
Use the Windows-X menu
The Windows-X menu (or Power User menu) contains direct links to launch useful system apps and tools, such as Terminal or Disk Management. Here’s how to open File Explorer using the Windows-X menu.
Using the Run dialog box
The Run dialog box is a legacy utility for launching any app on your Windows 11 PC. As long as you know the right app shortcode, you can launch the app without even using your mouse.
As you probably know by now, File Explorer can be quickly accessed using a keyboard shortcut or a taskbar icon. But if you want to open this built-in tool like a pro, you can use the Windows-X menu or the Run dialog box instead.