Open Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is the app that you use to browse through the files on your computer and connected devices. You can use it to browse network locations, manage your files, and much more. See Step 1 below to learn all the different ways to quickly access Windows Explorer.

Users running Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 will want to look at How to Open File Explorer which is an article that is tailored for newer versions of Windows.

Steps

  1. Determine which version of Windows you are running.
    • Windows 8, 8.1, or 10: See How to Open File Explorer, which has specific steps on how to open the newer Windows Explorer.
    • Windows 7 and older: Continue to the next step.
  2. Use the Start menu. Click Start → Computer.
  3. Use the keyboard shortcut. Pressing the Win+E simultaneously will open the Windows Explorer screen.
  4. Use the Windows search. Click Start and then type explorer.
  5. Restart Windows Explorer. If Explorer has crashed and you can't see your taskbar or icons, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+ Shift+Esc.
    • Navigate to the Processes tab. Click on Image Name at the top of the list (the header).
    • Select explorer.exe from the list and then click End Process at the bottom-right.
    • Click File and select Run new task.
    • Type explorer.exe and press Enter
  6. Start using Windows Explorer. Once you open Windows Explorer, you can start using it to Navigate-the-Windows-Directory. You can copy and paste files, and Free-up-Hard-Disk-Space-on-Windows-Vista you don't need anymore.



Tips

  • For Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users: See How to Open File Explorer, which has specific steps on how to open the newer Windows Explorer.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer with Windows installed

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