In this article, we’ll show you the 9 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. The best keyboard shortcuts help you quickly launch programs like the Run command dialog box, system settings, Task Manager, and more.

You can also quickly access File Explorer using a keyboard shortcut. To do this, simply press Win + E.

2. Use the Run Command Dialog Box

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

Press Win + R to open the Run command dialog box. Type Explorer and then click OK to access the Windows File Explorer.

3. Use the Taskbar Icon

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

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

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

4. Via the Quick Access Menu

The Quick Access menu makes it easy to access several tools on your Windows device. To access File Explorer using this tool, press Win + X or right-click the Start button. From there, select File Explorer from the options.

You might have previously used the Windows Start Menu search bar to access most of your software programs. Did you know that the search bar can also help you easily access File Explorer?

Here’s how to access File Explorer via the search bar:

Click the Start Menu search bar and type File Explorer. Finally, click the Best match result or use the arrow keys to select the relevant option.

6. Using the Start Menu

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

Click the Windows icon on your screen or press the Windows key. Click All Programs and then select System Tools. Select File Explorer from the options.

7. Via the Command Prompt or PowerShell

You can launch almost any app on your Windows device using either the Command Prompt or PowerShell.

Here’s how you can launch File Explorer via the Command Prompt:

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

To open File Explorer using PowerShell, here’s what you can do:

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

8. Via 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 you can launch File Explorer via the Task Manager:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Task Manager. Click the File tab at the bottom-left corner and select Run new task. Type Explorer in the search box and click OK.

9. Use File Explorer’s Executable File

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

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

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.