The Home windows File Explorer is probably going one of the used instruments in your PC. It’s the house for locating recordsdata and the rest that could be saved. Just a few ideas and tips could make it work even higher, whether or not you’re utilizing Home windows 10 or Home windows 11.

Rapidly Open the File Explorer

There’s a superb probability you launch the File Explorer from the Begin Menu, however there are literally lots of alternative ways to do it. If you end up opening the File Explorer usually, you could need to strive a brand new shortcut.

These shortcuts for Windows 10 additionally apply to Home windows 11. A few the quickest shortcuts embrace right-clicking the Begin Button and utilizing the keyboard combo Home windows key + E. After all, pinning the File Explorer to the taskbar is the quickest in the event you use it loads.

RELATED: 12 Ways to Open File Explorer in Windows 10

Open A number of File Explorer Tabs

Explorer tabs in Windows 11.

Many individuals wished tabs in Home windows 10’s File Explorer function, however they by no means arrived. Microsoft mounted that downside in Home windows 11, fortunately. Microsoft added File Explorer tabs to Home windows 10 along with the November 2022 security update.

Tabs within the File Explorer work basically the identical as they do in an online browser. Merely click on the “+” icon within the prime bar to open a brand new Explorer tab, or right-click a folder and choose “Open in New Tab.” You too can press Ctrl+T to open a brand new tab.

Home windows 10 customers can nonetheless get tabs in File Explorer—they’ll simply must install a third-party app to get File Explorer tabs on Windows 10.

Add the Recycle Bin and Management Panel to File Explorer

See all folders in Quick Access.

By default, the Recycle Bin and Management Panel don’t seem within the File Explorer. Nevertheless, you possibly can simply present them for fast entry—an you don’t even have to make use of the “Fast Entry” function.

To take action,pen File Explorer and right-click any clean house within the left sidebar. Activate “Present All Folders” from the menu, and also you’ll see Recycle Bin and Management Panel. That’s it!

Present the File Explorer Preview Pane

Example of Preview Pane in Windows 10 File Explorer

When you’re on the lookout for a particular file, however you possibly can’t bear in mind the filename, the Preview Pane in File Explorer lets you take a peek with out opening the file. It’s not enabled by default, however it is best to flip it on.

Enabling the Preview Pane is completely different in Windows 10 and Home windows 11. In Home windows 11, open File Explorer and choose “View” within the prime toolbar. Then click on Present > Preview Pane from the menu. Now, when you choose a file, you’ll see a preview in the proper sidebar.

RELATED: How to Show File Explorer’s Preview Pane on Windows 10

Delete Search Historical past from File Explorer

Home windows saves the search phrases you utilize in File Explorer. That’s useful for doing repeat searches, however you could need to clear the solutions every so often. Fortunately, it’s simple to do in Home windows 10 and 11.

First, you possibly can merely right-click a time period and choose “Take away From System Historical past.” If you wish to take away the total search historical past, you are able to do that as properly. Follow our guide for doing this in Windows 10. For Home windows 11, you’ll must click on the three-dot icon within the prime toolbar and go to “Choices.” From the Choices window, click on “Clear” subsequent to “Clear File Explorer Historical past.”

RELATED: How to Delete the Search History in Windows File Explorer

Run File Explorer as Administrator

Run File Explorer as an Admin.

By default, while you open File Explorer on Home windows 11, it opens with customary privileges. Nevertheless, you could must run it with elevated privileges to carry out sure duties or to see extra choices. You’ll must run File Explorer as an admin for that.

Not like most apps, you possibly can’t merely right-click and choose “Run as Administrator.” As a substitute, it’s a must to discover the Explorer EXE and right-click that to “Run as Administrator.” For each Home windows 10 and 11, you could find the file at This PC > Home windows (C:) > Home windows.

RELATED: How to Run File Explorer as Administrator in Windows 11

Flip Off File Explorer Verify Bins

An example of a file selection check mark in Windows 11 File Explorer.

Beginning in Windows Vista, the File Explorer has proven test containers when you choose a file. That is to point you possibly can choose a number of gadgets, however you could discover them pointless and annoying.

The excellent news is it’s simple to cover (or present) the checkboxes in Home windows 11 and Home windows 10. The method is similar in Home windows 10 and 11, however in Home windows 10, you possibly can skip clicking “Present” from the “View” menu.

RELATED: How to Turn Off File Explorer Check Boxes on Windows 11

Add or Take away Folders from Fast Entry

“Fast Entry” is the realm within the left sidebar of the File Explorer that may have folders pinned for, you guessed it, fast entry. It’s full of a couple of widespread folders by default, however it is best to customize it for yourself.

All it’s a must to do is right-click a folder and choose “Pin to Fast Entry” or “Unpin to Fast Entry.” Now you don’t have to search around for the folder each time.

RELATED: How to Customize File Explorer’s Quick Access Toolbar in Windows 10

Add Google Drive to File Explorer

Google Drive in Windows File Explorer.

Home windows File Explorer doesn’t should be just for Home windows recordsdata. You too can add a shortcut to Google Drive instantly in File Explorer. Google provides a tool for getting this up and running. Once you’re executed, you’ll have a brand new “G:” drive in File Explorer for Google Drive.

RELATED: How to Add Google Drive to File Explorer

Set File Explorer to Open to “This PC”

Change where File Explorer opens to.

Home windows 10 and 11 open the File Explorer to the “Fast Entry” folders by default—Home windows 11 calls this “House.” You possibly can change it to open to “This PC” as a substitute.

For Home windows 11, click on the three-dot icon within the File Explorer toolbar and go to Choices > Open File Explorer To and choose “This PC.” Click on “Apply.”

For Home windows 10, click on the “View” tab in File Explorer and choose “Choices.” Underneath “Open File Explorer To,” choose “This PC” and click on “Apply.”


File Explorer is a must-use instrument for productivity on a Windows PC, so it’s vital to have it functioning precisely the way you need it to be. Hopefully, with the following tips and tips in your again pocket, there will likely be much less friction between you and your recordsdata.

RELATED: 10 Hidden Windows 10 Features You Should Be Using


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