How to Use the New File Explorer in Windows 11

Edited 6 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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File Explorer has been an essential part of Windows for decades. In Windows 11, it has been redesigned to provide a more modern and intuitive experience. This guide will walk you through the new File Explorer features in Windows 11 and explain how to use them effectively.

Introducing the new File Explorer

File Explorer in Windows 11 offers a streamlined interface with several changes and improvements over its predecessor. It maintains familiarity to ensure you can adapt quickly but comes with enhancements that make organizing and accessing files simpler than ever. The primary changes include a redesigned toolbar, improved navigation, new context menus, and seamless integration with OneDrive.

Redesigned toolbar

The first thing you'll notice in Windows 11 File Explorer is the new toolbar. It's simpler and more focused on commonly used actions to make file management more intuitive. Here, we'll cover its main components:

• Home: The Home button simplifies navigation by giving you quick access to locations such as pinned folders, recent files, and downloads.
• Share: The Share button lets you easily share files with others. You can choose to share via email, Nearby Sharing, or OneDrive.
• New: The New button is where you can create new folders or documents directly within File Explorer, letting you get rid of the traditional right-click context menu.
• Options: The Options button gives you access to more settings, allowing you to customize the way File Explorer behaves and displays file details.

Navigation pane

A key feature of File Explorer, the navigation pane on the left remains largely unchanged, but with a few enhancements. This pane is where you find links to your libraries, specific folders, and network locations. It includes:

• Quick Access: Pin the folders you use most here. To pin, simply drag and drop a folder to Quick Access or right-click a folder and select "Pin to Quick Access."
• OneDrive integration: If you're signed in to Windows with a Microsoft account, you'll find OneDrive integration seamless. Files stored in OneDrive can be accessed directly in File Explorer.
• This PC: Displays drives and connected devices. Here you'll find system-specific locations such as Documents, Pictures, and Music.
• Network: To discover other computers and devices connected to your network.

Address bar

The address bar in File Explorer has been improved for clarity and efficiency. It shows the current path of the folder you are in and allows you to quickly navigate to another path. You can type a directory path directly into the address bar to quickly jump to a folder or network path.

Context menu

The context menu in Windows 11 File Explorer has been simplified and made more appealing. Right-clicking on a file or folder brings up a context menu with essential commands like Open, Cut, Copy, Rename, Properties, and Delete. For power users, advanced options can be viewed by selecting "Show more options", which reveals the traditional context menu.

Using the Search Bar

The search functionality in File Explorer in Windows 11 has been enhanced. The search bar at the top allows you to quickly filter through files and folders in the current directory or on your computer. Here are the steps to use it effectively:

1. Simple Search: Enter a keyword or file name to search the current directory. Results update automatically as you type.
2. Advanced filters: Filter results by size, modification date, file type, and more using the search tools ribbon that appears after you perform a search.
3. Indexing Options: Check Indexing Options in Control Panel to make sure your files are indexed for the fastest results.

New layouts and groups

File Explorer now offers new ways to view your files and folders with more layout and grouping options. You can choose how items are displayed and sorted using the options available in the View menu. Here's how you can customize the layout:

• Icon size: Choose between small, medium, large, or extra large icons, depending on your preference.
• Details view: Provides detailed metadata about your files, such as size, type, and modification date.
• List View: Displays items in a clean and simple directory-style format without details.
• Item Grouping: You can group files by name, date, type, size, etc. by choosing the Grouping option in the View menu.

Using Tabs and Panes

File Explorer in Windows 11 makes multitasking easier with multiple windows and split panes. While there are no tabbed windows yet, here's how you can manage files more efficiently:

• Open multiple windows: You can open another File Explorer window by right-clicking the Explorer icon in the taskbar and selecting File Explorer. This helps when moving files between folders.
• Split Screen with Snap Layouts: Windows 11 introduces Snap Layouts that can help you efficiently split your screen between multiple windows.

Keyboard shortcuts

There are many keyboard shortcuts that make navigation and file management much faster. Here are some of these shortcuts in File Explorer:

• Windows + E: Open a new File Explorer window.
• CTRL+N: Open a new window of the current folder.
• CTRL+W: Close the current window.
• ALT+UP ARROW: Move up one folder in the directory tree.
• CTRL+SHIFT+N: Create a new folder in the current directory.
• F2: Rename the selected file or folder.
• SHIFT + DELETE: Permanently delete a file or folder (bypassing the Recycle Bin).
• CTRL+A: Select all items in the current view.

Organizing files and folders

Keeping your files and folders organized is important for efficiency. Here's how File Explorer helps you stay organized:

• Drag and Drop: An intuitive way to move files and folders. Simply drag the item to where you want it within the same window or between two windows.
• Using Copy and Move: Right-click a file and choose "Copy" to duplicate it somewhere else, or choose "Cut" if you want to move it without duplicating it. Navigate to your destination folder and choose "Paste."
• Nesting Folders: Create subfolders within main folders using the "New Folder" function to keep files classified and make them easier to find.

File History and Recovery

Windows 11 File Explorer works in conjunction with Windows Backup features to ensure your files are safe and recoverable. Here's how to use File History:

• Access File History: In Settings, go to Update & Security, then Backup. Set up File History by connecting an external drive.
• Restoring previous versions: If you need an older version of a file, right-click the file in File Explorer, and select “Restore Previous Versions,” if available.

Customization and Settings

The Options menu within File Explorer allows for customizations that adjust your experience to your personal preferences. Here's what you can change:

• Folder Options: Accessed through the View tab, Folder Options allows you to change the way folders open, whether in a new or current window, and enable or disable features such as file name extensions and hidden items.
• Change Explorer start location: Set File Explorer to open to a specific location every time, such as This PC or Quick Access under Folder Options.
• Quick Access Toolbar: Customize which commands appear above the ribbon in File Explorer.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide covers the new Microsoft File Explorer in Windows 11. With its streamlined interface and practical features, it aims to make file management much faster and simpler. Whether you're organizing files, navigating through directories, or sharing documents, understanding these features can boost your productivity and ensure an efficient workflow in the Windows environment. Mastering these features will save time on everyday tasks and get you into a more connected file management system in Windows 11.

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