What Windows File Explorer Does
Windows File Explorer is the program built into Windows that shows you every file and folder on your computer in one place. It is the tool you use to create folders, move files around, delete things you do not need, and find files you have lost track of. When you want to organize your documents so you can actually find them later, File Explorer is where that work happens.
Think of File Explorer as a map of your computer's storage. Instead of files floating in an invisible cloud, File Explorer shows you the actual structure: your Documents folder, your Downloads folder, your Desktop, and any other folders you create. You can see what is inside each one, move things between them, and understand where everything lives.
File Explorer comes with Windows and does not cost anything. It is already on your computer right now — you just need to know how to open it and use it.
Key Takeaways
- File Explorer is the built-in Windows program that displays all your files and folders in one organized view.
- You open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or by pressing Windows key + E on your keyboard.
- The left sidebar shows your main storage locations (Documents, Downloads, Desktop, This PC), and the main area shows what is inside each one.
- You can create new folders, rename files, move things between folders, and delete files you no longer need — all from within File Explorer.
- File Explorer has a search box at the top right that finds files by name when you cannot remember where you put something.
How to Open File Explorer
The fastest way is to look at the bottom of your screen where your taskbar sits. You should see a folder icon — that is File Explorer. Click it once and the program opens.
If you do not see a folder icon on your taskbar, use your keyboard instead. Hold down the Windows key (the key with the Windows logo on it) and press E at the same time. File Explorer opens when ready. This works on any Windows computer.
A third option: click the Start button in the bottom left corner, type "file explorer" into the search box, and click the result that appears. All three methods open the same program.
Understanding the File Explorer Window
When File Explorer opens, you see a window divided into two main parts. On the left is a sidebar listing your main storage locations. On the right is the main viewing area showing what is inside whichever location you have selected.
The left sidebar typically shows: This PC (which shows all your drives and storage), Documents (where most of your files should live), Downloads (where files from the internet land), and Desktop (what you see on your screen background). You may also see other folders you have created or pinned there yourself.
At the very top of the window is an address bar showing your current location — for example, "C:\Users\YourName\Documents". Below that is a search box on the right side. This is where you type a filename when you are looking for something specific.
Creating and Organizing Folders
To create a new folder, navigate to the location where you want it (for example, your Documents folder), then right-click in the empty space on the right side of the window. A menu appears. Click "New" and then "Folder". A new folder appears with the name "New Folder" highlighted so you can type over it when ready. Type the name you want — for example, "Tax Documents 2024" or "Home Repair Photos" — and press Enter.
Once you have folders set up, you move files into them by dragging. Click and hold a file, drag it over the folder you want it in, and release. The file moves. You can also cut and paste: right-click a file, click "Cut", navigate to the destination folder, right-click in the empty space, and click "Paste".
To rename a file or folder, right-click it and select "Rename". The name becomes editable. Type the new name and press Enter. To delete something, right-click it and select "Delete". The item moves to your Recycle Bin, where it stays until you empty the bin — so you can recover it if you change your mind.
Finding Files You Cannot Remember
File Explorer has a search box in the top right corner of the window. Click it and type part of the filename you are looking for. You do not need the exact name — if you remember it was something about "taxes" and you type "taxes", File Explorer shows every file with that word in the name.
The search works across your entire computer by default, though you can narrow it down. If you are already inside a specific folder and want to search only that folder and its subfolders, click inside that folder first, then use the search box. File Explorer will search only that location.
If the search takes a while, that is normal — your computer is looking through potentially thousands of files. Wait for the results to appear. Once they do, you can click any result to open it or right-click to see options like "Open file location", which takes you to the folder where that file actually lives.
Viewing Files in Different Ways
File Explorer can show your files as large icons (so you can see thumbnails of photos), as a detailed list (showing filename, date modified, and file size), or in other views. To change the view, look at the top right of the File Explorer window. You should see a "View" button or icon. Click it and select the view style you prefer.
Large icons work well when you are organizing photos and want to see what each image is. List view works well when you have many documents and want to see the date each one was last changed. Experiment with different views to find what makes sense for the type of files you are organizing.
Moving Between Locations Quickly
At the top of the File Explorer window, you see the address bar showing your current path — something like "C:\Users\YourName\Documents". You can click any part of that path to jump back to that location. For example, if you are deep inside "Documents > Tax > 2024", you can click "Documents" in the address bar to jump straight back to your Documents folder without clicking through each folder one at a time.
You can also use the back and forward buttons at the top left of the window, just like in a web browser. The back button takes you to the previous folder you were viewing. This is useful when you are jumping between locations and want to retrace your steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find my files if I do not know which folder they are in?
Use the search box in the top right of File Explorer. Type the filename or part of it, and File Explorer searches your entire computer. Once you find the file, right-click it and select "Open file location" to see which folder it is actually in. This teaches you where to look next time.
Can I recover a file I deleted by accident?
Yes, if you deleted it recently. Deleted files go to your Recycle Bin first — they do not disappear when ready. Open your Recycle Bin (usually on your Desktop or accessible from File Explorer), find the file, right-click it, and select "Restore". The file goes back to its original location. If you have already emptied the Recycle Bin, recovery is much harder and may require professional help.
What is the difference between "This PC" and "Documents"?
"This PC" shows your entire computer — all your drives, including external hard drives if you have them plugged in. "Documents" is a single folder inside your user account where you are supposed to keep your personal files. Documents is where you should organize most of your work, while This PC is useful when you need to see everything or access an external drive.
Can I create folders inside folders?
Yes. You can create as many levels of folders as you want. For example, you might have Documents > Taxes > 2024 > January. This is called a folder structure or hierarchy. Create the first folder, open it, then create the next folder inside it. This helps keep related files grouped together.
Why does File Explorer show some files and hide others?
File Explorer hides system files by default — files that Windows needs to run but that you should not normally touch. If you want to see every single file on your computer, click the "View" button at the top and check the box for "Hidden items". Most people do not need to do this, but it is available if you are looking for something specific.