Windows keeps adding new features to help you visualize and manage your files.
The file management system has been around for a while, though, assuming you have any familiarity with previous versions of Windows. However, it has undergone multiple modifications over time, and certain parts have been removed. But the fundamental operation is still the same.
A feature of Windows 10 that is often overlooked is Windows File Explorer.
With its straightforward user interface, this essential program lets you navigate, access, and arrange the files, folders, and apps that are stored on your device, external devices, and anywhere else on the network.
You can get help with File Explorer in Windows 10 from numerous tools and options and be a little more productive on Windows 10. In this article, we will study how to manage and control the Windows 10 File Explorer and provide capabilities you never knew existed.
1. How to Open Windows 10 File Explorer
There are multiple ways to launch File Explorer on Windows 10, including:
- Clicking the taskbar icon for File Explorer.
- Use the keyboard shortcut “Windows key + E.”
- Select the File Explorer icon from the Start menu’s navigation pane.
- Searching the Start menu for File Explorer.
- Utilizing the Run command’s “explorer” command.
- Choose “File Explorer” from the menu by right-clicking the Start button.
2. How to Display File Extensions in File Explorer
Follow these procedures below to get File Explorer to display file extensions:
- Launch the File Explorer.
- From the “View” tab, select the Options button.
- Select the View tab.
- The “Hide extension for known file types” option should be cleared.
- Click the Apply button.
- Press the OK button.
As an alternative, select the “File name extensions” option from the “View” tab of the File Explorer ribbon.
3. How to Allow File Explorer to Display Hidden Files
Follow these methods to view files on Windows 10 that have the hidden attribute enabled:
- Launch the File Explorer.
- From the “View” tab, select the Options button.
- Select the View tab.
- • Click “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” under the “Hidden files and folders” section.
- (Optional) “Hide protected operating system files” should be checked.
A quick tip: On Windows 10, this option is often exclusively used to address issues with system files.
- Click the Apply button.
- Press the OK button.
As an alternative, select the “Hidden items” option from the “View” tab of the File Explorer ribbon.
4. How to Show Previews of Files in File Explorer
Follow these procedures to get file previews and details to appear in File Explorer:
- Launch the File Explorer.
- Select the View tab.
- Select the Preview window menu item.
- Click on the file to see a preview of its contents on the right.
- Select the Details pane menu item.
- When you select the file, information about it will appear on the right side, including the size, date produced, creator, and title.
After completing the procedures, the details or a preview of the file’s content will appear on the right side each time you pick a file, depending on your settings.
5. How to Use File Explorer’s Search feature
While it is easy to find files and folders by just typing a query into the search box, there are some helpful tips to maximize the utility of this tool.
Follow these steps to utilize File Explorer’s advanced search:
- Launch the File Explorer.
- In the search box, type your keyword and hit Enter.
You can utilize the “Search” tab to narrow down the results if the search does not yield the results you were hoping for. To restrict the search to the present location, for instance, select the “present folder” button.
6. How to Use File Explorer’s Navigation Pane to Access the Recycle Bin
Follow these steps to add the recycle bin option to File Explorer:
- Launch the File Explorer.
- From the “Home” menu, select the Options button.
- Select the Views tab.
- In the “Navigation pane” settings, make sure the “Show all folders” option is checked under the “Advanced settings” section.
- Press the Apply button.
- Press the OK button.
After completing the procedures, the navigation pane will display the Control Panel and the recycle bin.
7. How to Display Libraries in the File Explorer Navigation Pane
If you recently switched to Windows 10, you most likely still use the “Libraries” option in the navigation pane to browse libraries. However, Windows 10 no longer has this feature by default.
Follow these steps to get the libraries displayed in File Explorer:
- Launch the File Explorer.
- From the “Home” menu, select the Options button.
- Select the Views tab.
- In the “Navigation pane” settings, make sure the “Show libraries” option is checked under the “Advanced options” section.
- Press the Apply button.
- Press the OK button.
Following the procedures, the Camera Roll, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos libraries can be quickly accessed via the Libraries item in the navigation window.
Conclusion
Using File Explorer on Windows 10 can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. By understanding its features and functionalities, you can streamline your file management tasks and navigate your system with ease. As you continue to explore and utilize its capabilities, you will discover new ways to optimize your workflow and make the most out of your Windows 10 experience.
