9 Different Ways to Open File Explorer in Windows 11

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The Windows File Explorer is one of the most opened folders on any Windows PC. Whether you are looking for particular documents or want to delete something, File Explorer is always used. While the File Explorer has undergone many changes with different operating system versions, are there multiple ways to open the File Explorer window on your Windows PC?

Yes, there are many ways that you can follow to open up File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC. Want to know the different ways? You’ve come to the right place.

Let’s get started.

Using The Keyboard Shortcut – The Easiest

One of the simplest and fastest ways to bring up the File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC. The keyboard shortcut to open up File Explorer is by simply pressing the Windows and E keys together on your keyboard.

Using The Taskbar Shortcut

Now, a lot of Windows PCs when you use them for the first time will generally have the File Explorer icon on the Taskbar. This is a shortcut that lets you launch the File Explorer right away. But, if you do not have the File Explorer shortcut on your Taskbar, here is how you do it.

Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11
  1. Click on the Start menu icon and type in File Explorer.
  2. When you see the result, right-click on it.
  3. Now, from the context menu, you will see a Pin to Taskbar option.
  4. Once you click Pin to Taskbar, you will see the File Explorer shortcut appear.
  5. Simply click on the File Explorer to launch it right away.

Using The Start Menu Search

Another easy way to launch the File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC is by simply using the trusty old Start menu. In this case, all you need to do is click on the Start Menu icon, type in File Explorer, and click on it. The File Explorer should launch right away.

Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11

Launch It From The Start Menu Pinned Section

Another quick and easy way to open up the File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC is by accessing it from the Pinned section of the Start Menu. If you do not have the File Explorer panned to the Start Menu, here is how you can pin it.

Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11
  1. Click on the Start menu and begin typing File Explorer.
  2. Now, from the results, right-click on the File Explorer and choose Pin to Start.
  3. Simply press the Windows key on your keyboard. You should see the File Explorer pinned right away.

From the Power User Menu

The Power User menu is a simple and quick access menu that has a bunch of apps that you can access very quickly. To access this menu, simply right-click on the Start menu icon and then choose File Explorer from the context menu, The File Explorer will open up right away.

Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11

Launch Explorer via the Run Command

The Run Command is one of the easiest ways to run or launch almost any application. The same can be said for the File Explorer as well. Here is how you launch the File Explorer using the Run command.

Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11
  1. Press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard.
  2. The Run Command box will now appear in the bottom left corner.
  3. Just type Explorer and hit the enter key.
  4. The File Explorer window will now open.

Open File Explorer via Command Prompt and PowerShell

The Command Prompt and PowerShell apps let you run commands on your PC. If you want to use either of these programs to open File Explorer, here is how you do it.

Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11
  1. Press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard.
  2. In the command box, type in CMD or PowerShell.
  3. Now press the Control + Shift + Enter keys.
  4. This will open up an elevated Command prompt or PowerShell Type Explorer.
  5. Type Explorer in either CMD or PowerShell and hit the enter key.
  6. The File Manager should open up on your desktop instantly.
Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11

Create A Desktop Shortcut 

If, for some reason, you do not have File Explorer as a desktop shortcut, it is time you create one. Having a shortcut on your desktop helps you to easily access or launch the program without having to run through hoops of menus, clicks, or keyboard shorts.

Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11
  1. Right-click on an empty space on the desktop.
  2. From the context menu, select new, followed by shortcut.
  3. Type in “C:\Windows\explorer.exe” in the location box and click on Next.
  4. Now, type File Explorer for the name and click on Finish.
  5. The File Explorer shortcut is now on your desktop, ready for any time access.
Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11

Use Task Manager to Open File Explorer

The Task Manager is a useful application that lets you see all the running services and also gives you the option to close or end tasks that you do not want to be running in the background. Additionally, you can also use the Task Manager to start or run new tasks. Here are the steps to open the File Explorer via the Task Manager.

Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11
  1. Right-click on the Taskbar and choose Task Manager.
  2. Now, click on the Services tab.
  3. In the top right corner, you should see a button that says Run New Task. Click on it.
  4. Now the services window will open.
  5. Simply type in Explorer and press enter.
  6. Your File Explorer should now open up on your desktop.
Different Ways to Open File Explorer on Windows 11

Closing Thoughts

This concludes the multiple ways that you can select to open the File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC. Almost all the methods here are simple and easy. However, the fastest way would be to use the keyboard shortcut.

Which way is your preferred way of launching the File Explorer? Let us know in the comments section below.

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AUTHOR.

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Joshua D'souza

Enjoy games, 90's hip-hop, and tech. Loves exploring the infinite world of laptops and food. Every ready to provide assistance in anything that rocks his boat. Will gladly enjoy capturing memories through various lenses. Worked previously at PiunikaWeb as an author and researcher.

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