The Windows File Explorer is a critical file management tool. It always comes in handy when you want to copy, move, or delete the files on your device.

But what are the different ways to open File Explorer?

We've got all the solutions! In this article, we’ll show you the 11 easy methods for opening the Windows File Explorer.

1. Use a Keyboard Shortcut

One of the best ways to easily access the apps on your Windows device is through keyboard shortcuts. For example, keyboard shortcuts help you quickly launch programs like the Run command dialog box, system settings, Task Manager, and more.

To quickly access File Explorer using a keyboard shortcut, simply press Win + E.

If you're familiar with the Windows Start menu search bar, then there's a high chance that you often use it to access your software programs.

Now, let's show you how to access File Explorer via the search bar:

  1. Click the Start menu search bar and type File Explorer.
  2. Click the Best match result or use the arrow keys and then press Enter to select the relevant option.
Opening File Explorer via the Start menu search bar

3. Use the Start Menu

The Start menu is packed with tons of software programs. Here’s how you can use it to access File Explorer:

  1. Click the Windows icon on your screen or press the Windows key.
  2. Click All Programs on the left and then select System Tools.
  3. Select File Explorer from the options.
Opening the Windows File Explorer using the Start Menu

4. Use the Run Command Dialog Box

You can also launch File Explorer using the Run command dialog box. Here’s how:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type Explorer and then click OK to access the Windows File Explorer.
Open the Windows File Explorer using the Run Command Dialog Box

5. Use the Quick Access Menu

The Quick Access menu helps you access several tools on your Windows device. To access File Explorer via the Quick Access menu, follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + X or right-click the Windows icon on the taskbar.
  2. Select File Explorer from the options.
Opening the Windows File Explorer using the Quick Access Menu

6. Use the File Explorer Icon on the Taskbar

The Windows taskbar is usually preloaded with certain apps, including File Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and more. To launch File Explorer, simply click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.

If File Explorer isn’t on your taskbar, here’s how you can add it:

  1. Type File Explorer in the Start Menu search bar.
  2. Right-click on the File Explorer option and select Pin to Taskbar.
Selecting the Pin to Taskbar option on File Explorer

7. Use the Command Prompt or PowerShell

A person using a Windows device on a desk

You can launch almost any app on your Windows device by using the Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell.

Here’s how you can launch File Explorer using the CMD:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
  3. Type Explorer in the Command Prompt and then press Enter.

To open File Explorer using PowerShell, follow these steps:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box.
  2. Type Powershell and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated PowerShell window.
  3. Type Explorer in the PowerShell window and then press Enter.

8. Use the Task Manager

The Task Manager isn’t only helpful for shutting down mischievous programs and monitoring PC performance. You can also use this tool to launch the programs on your Windows device.

Here’s how to use the Windows Task Manager to launch File Explorer:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  2. Click the File tab in the top-left corner and select Run new task.
  3. Type Explorer in the search box and click OK to open File Explorer.
Opening the Windows File Explorer using the Task Manager

9. Use File Explorer's Executable File

You can also open File Explorer using its executable (.exe) file in the Local Disk (C:) directory. Here's how you can do this:

  1. Type This PC on the Start menu search bar and select the Best match.
  2. In the next window, double-click on Local Disk (C:) on the right-hand side and navigate to the Windows folder.
  3. Scroll down and click the explorer or explorer.exe option to launch File Explorer.
Opening the Windows File Explorer via the Windows folder

10. Access File Explorer Indirectly via the Control Panel

What if we told you that you can also access File Explorer through the Control Panel? It might sound impossible, but let's show you how you can do it:

  1. Type Control Panel in the Start menu search bar and select the Best match result.
  2. Click the View by drop-down menu on the Control Panel and select Small icons.
  3. Select the Administrative Tools option.
  4. On the left-hand side, click Desktop or any other option. And just like that, you've just landed on File Explorer!
Clicking the Desktop option

11. Create a File Explorer Desktop Shortcut

Desktop shortcuts are incredible features that make it easy for you to access almost any software program. So if you want to access File Explorer without a hassle, it might be worth creating a Desktop shortcut for it.

Let's take you through the process of creating a File Explorer Desktop shortcut:

  1. Press Win + D to access the Desktop. Alternatively, check out the various ways to access the Windows Desktop.
  2. Right-click on a blank space on the Desktop and select New > Shortcut.
  3. Type %windir%\system32\explorer.exe in the "location" box and click Next to continue.
Creating the File Explorer Shortcut

Next, type File Explorer in the name field and then click Finish to save your shortcut.

Now, accessing File Explorer should be a breeze. All you need to do is navigate to the Desktop and click the "File Explorer" Desktop shortcut.

Open File Explorer the Easy Way

Accessing the Windows File Explorer is quite an easy task. But if you want to open this tool like a pro, try any of the methods we’ve covered. From there, you can start playing around with the tool and discovering some of its hidden features.