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Windows File Explorer is the built-in Windows interface for finding, opening, organizing, and managing files and folders on your PC and, when connected, in cloud storage. Open it by pressing Windows logo key + E.
What does File Explorer do?
File Explorer lets you browse folders and drives, search for items, and manage files in one place. Common actions include copying, moving, renaming, sharing, and deleting files or folders. You can also change how items are displayed, such as using icons, a list, or a details view. Microsoft’s File Explorer guide covers these tasks for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
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How do you open File Explorer?
In Windows 11, select File Explorer from the taskbar or Start menu, or press Windows logo key + E. Once it opens, use the navigation pane to choose a folder, drive, or other available location. The main area shows the contents of the selected location. Microsoft’s Windows 11 basics guide also describes ways to navigate and manage files.
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In Windows 11, File Explorer Home can surface recent items and familiar folders, while Quick access provides shortcuts to folders you use often. Starting with Windows 11 version 22H2, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos are pinned in Quick access by default; you can pin or unpin folders. You can search from Home or navigate to a particular drive or folder first. If you prefer File Explorer to open to This PC rather than Home, you can choose that setting. Labels and layout can vary between Windows versions.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Can File Explorer show cloud files?
Yes, when you connect and set up a supported cloud account. For example, synced OneDrive files can appear in File Explorer and be managed much like files on the PC. OneDrive’s Files On-Demand feature can let you access cloud files without downloading every file to local storage; availability depends on account and sync settings. Cloud content does not automatically appear merely because File Explorer is installed. See Microsoft’s guides on syncing files with OneDrive and using OneDrive files in File Explorer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is File Explorer available on Windows 10?
File Explorer is included in Windows 10 as well as Windows 11. Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; Microsoft says it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. The end of support does not mean that a Windows 10 PC stops working. Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice explains the change.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 14” Diagonal HD BrightView WLED-Backlit (1366 x 768), Intel Graphics,
- Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD
- 3x USB Type A,1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone
- 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2x2) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, HP Webcam with Integrated Digital Microphone
- Windows 11 OS, Dale Blue
Rank #3
- FULL HD IPS DISPLAY - Enjoy vibrant, crystal-clear images with 178-degree wide-viewing angles
- AMD RYZEN 3 30 PROCESSOR - Everyday performance you can count on; Multitask, stream, game casually, and edit photos smoothly with responsive power and vibrant HDR visuals
- ENJOY UP TO 14 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES OF BATTERY LIFE - HP Fast Charge restores battery from 0 to 50% in approximately 45 minutes
- AMD RADEON 610M GRAPHICS - Experience smooth entertainment; Built for streaming and multitasking, enjoy realistic visuals and efficient performance for work and play
- STORAGE AND MEMORY - 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD offers fast speed and efficient storage; and 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM memory boosts performance with higher bandwidth
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
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