How Do You Open File Explorer in Windows 10
The quickest way to answer how do you open file explorer in windows 10 is to press Windows key + E. You can also open it from the Start menu, the taskbar, Search, or the Run dialog if the shortcut is not available.
How to open File Explorer in Windows 10
File Explorer is the built-in Windows 10 tool for browsing files, folders, drives, and network locations. If you just want to get to your documents, downloads, pictures, or another folder, File Explorer is usually the place to start.
1. Use the keyboard shortcut
- Press Windows key + E.
- File Explorer should open immediately.
This is the fastest method for most users, and it works even if the taskbar is cluttered or the Start menu is slow to open.
2. Open File Explorer from the Start menu
- Select the Start button in the lower-left corner.
- Look for File Explorer in the app list or pinned tiles.
- Select it to open.
If you use the Start menu often, this is a simple mouse-based way to launch it without remembering a shortcut.
3. Open it from the taskbar
- Look for the folder-shaped File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
- Click it once.
On many Windows 10 systems, File Explorer is pinned to the taskbar by default. If you do not see it, it may have been unpinned or removed from the visible taskbar area.
4. Use Search to launch File Explorer
- Click the Search box or press the Windows key.
- Type File Explorer.
- Select the app from the results.
This method is useful if you prefer typing instead of clicking through menus.
5. Open File Explorer from the Run dialog
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type explorer.exe.
- Press Enter.
This launches File Explorer directly. It is a good backup option if the Start menu or taskbar is not behaving normally.
What File Explorer opens to by default
When File Explorer opens, it may show Quick Access or This PC, depending on your Windows settings. Quick Access usually shows pinned folders and recent files, while This PC shows your drives and standard folders like Documents, Downloads, and Pictures.
If you are looking for a specific folder, either view can get you there. Quick Access is often faster for folders you use every day, while This PC is helpful when you want to browse storage locations.
What to do if File Explorer will not open
If File Explorer does not open when you click it or press the shortcut, the problem is often temporary. Try these fixes in order:
- Try Windows key + E if you were using the mouse, or click File Explorer if you were using the keyboard.
- Restart File Explorer from Task Manager if it appears frozen.
- Restart your PC, which can clear a temporary Windows issue.
- Check for Windows updates if the problem keeps happening.
- Use explorer.exe from Run as an alternate way to launch it.
If the window opens and then closes, or becomes unresponsive, that can point to a deeper Windows issue or a corrupted file association. In that case, a restart is still the easiest first step.
Pin File Explorer for faster access
If you open folders frequently, pinning File Explorer makes it easier to reach.
- Find File Explorer in the Start menu or taskbar.
- Right-click it.
- Choose Pin to taskbar or Pin to Start, depending on where you want quick access.
You can also keep a File Explorer shortcut in a convenient place on the desktop if you prefer a visible icon.
File Explorer vs This PC
| Option | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| File Explorer | Opens the main file browsing window | General navigation, folders, drives, and files |
| This PC | Shows drives and common folders inside File Explorer | Browsing storage locations and system folders |
| Quick Access | Shows pinned and recent locations | Reaching frequent folders quickly |
People sometimes say they want to “open This PC” when they actually mean they want the File Explorer window itself. Opening File Explorer is the broader action, and This PC is one view inside it.
Common ways to open File Explorer quickly
- Fastest: Windows key + E
- Mouse method: Click File Explorer on the taskbar
- Menu method: Open it from the Start menu
- Search method: Type File Explorer in Search
- Backup method: Run explorer.exe
Frequently Asked Questions About how do you open file explorer in windows 10
What is the shortcut key for File Explorer in Windows 10?
The shortcut is Windows key + E. It opens File Explorer directly.
Can I open File Explorer without using the taskbar?
Yes. You can use the Start menu, Search, the Windows key + E shortcut, or the Run dialog.
Why won’t File Explorer open in Windows 10?
It may be frozen, temporarily glitching, or affected by a Windows issue. Try restarting File Explorer, using explorer.exe from Run, or rebooting the PC.
Can I pin File Explorer to the taskbar?
Yes. Right-click File Explorer and choose Pin to taskbar so it is easier to open later.
Is File Explorer the same as This PC?
No. File Explorer is the app window used to browse files and folders. This PC is one location or view inside File Explorer.
Does Windows 10 always open File Explorer to Quick Access?
Not always. It depends on your settings. File Explorer can open to Quick Access or This PC.
Conclusion
If you are wondering how do you open file explorer in windows 10, the simplest answer is to press Windows key + E. If that is not convenient, you can open it from the Start menu, taskbar, Search, or the Run dialog. For faster everyday access, pin File Explorer to the taskbar so it is always easy to reach.