This article shows you how to open the Windows "Explorer" program. On computers running Windows 10 or Windows 8, this application has been renamed with the label "File Explorer", while in Windows 7 and earlier it is called "Windows Explorer".
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows 10 and Windows 8
Step 1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
Select the Windows logo icon in the lower left corner of the desktop. Alternatively, you can simply press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
If you are using Windows 8, you can move the mouse cursor to the upper right corner of the desktop and select the magnifying glass icon
Step 2. Type the keyword explore files in the "Start" menu
A small folder icon should appear within the search results list.
Step 3. Select the "File Explorer" icon
It is in the shape of a folder and should be placed at the top of the search results list that appears within the "Start" menu. This will open a new "File Explorer" window.
Once the "File Explorer" window is open, you can add it directly to the taskbar, so that it can be opened in the future with a single mouse click. Select the icon of the "File Explorer" window with the right mouse button, then choose the item "Pin to taskbar"
Step 4. There are several methods to open the Windows "File Explorer" window, consider using the one that best suits your needs
Here is a short list of the most used:
- Click the "File Explorer" icon on the Windows taskbar;
- Press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + E;
- Select the "Start" menu icon with the right mouse button and choose the "File Explorer" option from the context menu that appeared;
- Access the "Start" menu by pressing the button featuring the Windows logo, and select the folder-shaped icon on the left side of the menu.
Method 2 of 2: Windows 7
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by pressing the button located in the lower left corner of the desktop
Alternatively, you can simply press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
Step 2. Type the keyword explorer into the "Start" menu
A small folder icon should appear within the search results list.
Step 3. Select the "Explorer" icon
It features a small folder and should be located at the top of the search results list that appears within the "Start" menu. This will open a new "Explorer" window.
Once the "Explorer" window is open, you can add it directly to the taskbar, so that it can be opened in the future with a simple mouse click. Select the "Explorer" window icon with the right mouse button, then choose the "Pin to taskbar" item
Step 4. Depending on your needs, consider using an alternative method to open the "Explorer" window
Here is a short list of the most used:
- Press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + E;
- Access the "Start" menu by pressing the button featuring the Windows logo and select the Computer item.
