How to Use Windows 10 File Explorer: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you new to Windows 10 and feeling overwhelmed by the new File Explorer? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Windows 10 File Explorer is a powerful tool that allows you to navigate, organize, and manage your files and folders with ease. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to use Windows 10 File Explorer, from basic navigation to advanced features.
Basic Navigation
1. Opening File Explorer: To open File Explorer, you can press the Windows key + E or click on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
2. Using the Address Bar: The address bar at the top of the window shows the current path. You can type the path of a folder or file directly into the address bar and press Enter to navigate to it.
3. Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs at the top of the window provide a trail of your navigation history. You can click on any folder in the breadcrumbs to navigate back to it.
4. Using the Navigation Pane: The navigation pane on the left side of the window allows you to quickly access frequently used folders, such as Desktop, Documents, and Pictures. You can also add custom folders to the navigation pane.
Organizing Files and Folders
1. Sorting Files: You can sort files by name, date, size, type, and other criteria. To sort files, click on the column header you want to sort by.
2. Creating Folders: To create a new folder, right-click in the folder you want to create it in, select “New” > “Folder,” and then give it a name.
3. Renaming Files and Folders: To rename a file or folder, right-click on it, select “Rename,” and then type the new name.
4. Deleting Files and Folders: To delete a file or folder, select it and press the Delete key on your keyboard. You can also right-click on the item and select “Delete.”
Advanced Features
1. Pinning Folders: You can pin frequently used folders to the Quick Access section of File Explorer for quick access. Right-click on a folder and select “Pin to Quick Access.”
2. File History: Windows 10 includes a File History feature that allows you to back up your files to an external drive or network location. To enable File History, go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
3. Search: Use the search box at the top-right corner of the File Explorer window to search for files and folders. You can also use the search filters to narrow down your search results.
4. File Explorer Options: To customize File Explorer, go to File > Options. Here, you can change the default view, enable or disable certain features, and more.
Conclusion
Windows 10 File Explorer is a versatile tool that can help you manage your files and folders more efficiently. By following this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to use Windows 10 File Explorer to navigate, organize, and manage your files. With practice, you’ll find that File Explorer becomes an essential part of your daily computer usage.
