File Explorer is built into Windows and opens from your taskbar or Start menu

File Explorer is the program that shows you every folder and file on your computer. It comes with Windows and is always there — you do not need to read it. On most computers, the fastest way to open it is to click the folder icon on your taskbar at the bottom of your screen, or press the Windows key and E together on your keyboard.

If you do not see a folder icon on your taskbar, you can open File Explorer through your Start menu. Click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner, type "file explorer" in the search box, and click the result. It will open a window showing your main folders: Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and others.

File Explorer is different from your web browser (like Chrome or Edge). Your browser shows you websites on the internet. File Explorer shows you the actual files and folders stored on your computer's hard drive. You use File Explorer to find documents you saved, organize photos, or move files around.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer when ready from anywhere on your computer.
  • Look for a folder icon on your taskbar at the bottom of the screen — clicking it opens File Explorer.
  • If the folder icon is not visible, click the Windows logo and search for "file explorer" to find it.
  • File Explorer shows the folders and files on your computer, not websites — it is separate from your web browser.
  • Your main folders (Documents, Downloads, Desktop, Pictures) appear automatically when you open File Explorer.

Opening File Explorer from the taskbar

The taskbar runs along the bottom of your screen and holds icons for programs you use often. One of those icons is usually a folder. Click it and File Explorer opens when ready. This is the fastest way if you use File Explorer regularly.

If you do not see a folder icon on your taskbar, it may have been removed or hidden. You can add it back by right-clicking on an empty spot on the taskbar, selecting "Taskbar settings," scrolling down to "Taskbar items," and toggling on "File Explorer." After that, the folder icon will appear and you can click it anytime.

Using the keyboard shortcut

The quickest method is the keyboard shortcut: hold down the Windows key (the one with the Windows logo) and press E. This works from anywhere — your desktop, inside another program, or anywhere else. File Explorer will open in a new window within a second.

This shortcut works on all Windows computers and is faster than clicking through menus. If you open File Explorer often, learning this shortcut saves time every single day.

Finding File Explorer through the Start menu

Click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen to open the Start menu. A search box appears at the top. Type "file explorer" and the program will show up in the results. Click on it to open the window.

You can also scroll through the alphabetical list of all your programs in the Start menu and look for File Explorer under the letter F. Once you find it, you can right-click and select "Pin to taskbar" so the folder icon appears on your taskbar for next time.

What you see when File Explorer opens

When File Explorer opens, you see a window with two main parts. On the left side is a list of your main locations: Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, and "This PC" (which shows all your drives). On the right side is the contents of whichever folder you have selected.

At the very top is an address bar showing where you are in your folder structure. For example, it might say "C:\Users\YourName\Documents" when you are in your Documents folder. Below that are buttons to go back, go forward, or go up one level to the parent folder.

Finding specific folders you use often

Your Documents folder is where most programs save files by default. Your Downloads folder holds files you downloaded from the internet. Your Desktop folder contains files and shortcuts that appear on your desktop background. These folders appear in the left sidebar of File Explorer so you can click them anytime.

If you have a folder you use constantly, you can pin it to the sidebar for quick access. Right-click the folder and select "Pin to Quick Access." It will then appear at the top of the left sidebar, above your main folders, so you can reach it in one click.

File Explorer on Mac computers

If you use a Mac instead of Windows, the equivalent program is called Finder. You open it by clicking the blue and white face icon in your dock (the row of icons at the bottom of your screen), or by pressing Command and Space together, typing "finder," and pressing Enter. Finder works the same way as File Explorer — it shows you your folders and files.

The layout is slightly different on a Mac, but the purpose is identical. You use Finder to navigate your computer, organize files, and find documents you have saved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between File Explorer and my web browser?

File Explorer shows files and folders stored on your computer's hard drive. Your web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) shows websites on the internet. They are completely separate programs that do different things.

Can I pin File Explorer to my Start menu?

Yes. Right-click File Explorer in your Start menu and select "Pin to Start." A tile for File Explorer will then appear on your Start menu, and you can click it to open the program without searching.

Why do I not see a folder icon on my taskbar?

The icon may have been removed or your taskbar may be set to hide inactive icons. Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar, select "Taskbar settings," and toggle on "File Explorer" under "Taskbar items." The folder icon will reappear.

Is File Explorer the same as OneDrive or Google Drive?

No. File Explorer shows all files on your computer. OneDrive and Google Drive are cloud storage services that sync files to the internet. You can see cloud files inside File Explorer, but they are stored online, not just on your computer.

Can I search for a file inside File Explorer?

Yes. There is a search box in the top right of the File Explorer window. Type the name of the file you are looking for and File Explorer will search your current folder and all subfolders for matches.