You can use a keyboard shortcut, a desktop icon, or even the Windows taskbar to open the Windows built-in file manager app.
Using a Keyboard Shortcut
The quickest way to launch File Manager in Windows 11 is by using a keyboard shortcut. Like with other apps, there’s a key combination that you can press to quickly open File Manager no matter where you are on your PC. To do this, press the Windows + E at the same time. This will open a new File Explorer window on your screen. This window opens to the Quick access section of the Explorer.
From Windows Search
Another way to launch File Explorer on Windows 11 is by using the traditional Windows search. You can search for this utility, like other apps, and launch the utility from the search results. To do so:
From the Start Menu
Windows 11 allows you to pin various items to your Start menu, one of which is File Explorer. You can pin this utility to your Start menu and have quick access to the tool whenever you want. To do this:
From the Taskbar
Windows 11’s taskbar comes pinned with various apps, one of which is File Explorer. You can click this File Explorer icon to open the utility. If you don’t find the icon on the taskbar, chances are the utility is unpinned from the taskbar. To add File Explorer back to the Windows taskbar:
From the Power User Menu
To help you quickly access various built-in tools, Windows 11 offers a Power User Menu. This menu has File Explorer, too, which means you can use the menu to open this utility. To access the Explorer this way:
Using Command Prompt
Someone may rarely want to open a File Explorer window from Command Prompt, but if you want to do that, there’s a way. There’s a command you can run from Command Prompt to open the utility.
Using a Desktop Shortcut
If you’re used to launching apps by double-clicking the app shortcuts on your desktop, you can also use the same method to open File Explorer. Just double-click the File Explorer icon on your desktop, and the tool will open. In case your desktop doesn’t have the File Explorer icon, add the icon this way:
From the Run Box
Windows 11’s Run box gives you access to many apps installed on your PC, including File Explorer.
From Task Manager
If you’re inside Task Manager and specificwant to open File Explorer, you don’t have to quit the Task Manager tool. You can launch the file manager from within the Task Manager.
Several Ways to Launch File Explorer on Windows 11
If you prefer certain ways over others to open your apps, Windows 11 provides you with various ways to open your PC’s built-in file manager. Let us know what method you prefer in the comments below.
