Windows 10 File Explorer: Hotkeys, Tips

Windows Explorer is a file manager that allows you to navigate the files and folders on your computer. This software can be used to organize, search for, rename, delete, copy or move any file in existence on your PC. These files might include pictures of family members, videos from the latest vacation trip or even business documents. Windows Explorer also helps make it easier for you to find the right folder by allowing you to type in part of a word into the address bar and automatically select what’s closest.

• Windows 10 File Explorer is a great way to organize your files
• You can use the search bar to find what you’re looking for in seconds
• It’s easy to move, copy, and delete files with just one click
• The new Quick Access feature lets you access folders that are most important to you without having to go through all of them first 
• You can pin any folder or file so it’s always at the top of the list 
• You can share folders and files with other people on your computer or over email by dragging them into an email window

Windows 10 File Explorer Hotkeys

Basics

Win+E	Open Explorer
Alt+F, then N	Duplicate Explorer Window via File, New Window
Ctrl+W	Close Windows Explorer
Alt+D	Change cursor to Address Bar
F5	Refresh Explorer Window
F11	Toggle Full Screen

Main Content Panel

Ctrl+Shift+N	Create new folder
Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X, Ctrl+V	Copy, cut, paste
Ctrl+Z	Undo an action
Ctrl+Y	Redo an action
Delete	Delete an item and place it into the Recycle Bin
Shift+Delete	Delete an item permanently without placing it into the Recycle Bin
F2	Edit Item. Select name excluding file extension
Ctrl+Shift+1	Change View to Extra Large Icons
Ctrl+Shift+2	Change View to Large Icons
Ctrl+Shift+3	Change View to Medium Icons
Ctrl+Shift+4	Change View to Small Icons
Ctrl+Shift+5	Change View to List View
Ctrl+Shift+6	Change View to Details View
Ctrl+Shift+7	Change View to Tiles View
Ctrl+Shift+8	Change View to Content View
Alt+V, then SF	Change View to Size Fit all items within column width

Tips

1. Use the search bar to quickly find a file
2. Press Ctrl+E to open up a new window for quick access to your files
3. Drag and drop any file or folder from one window into another for easy copying
4. Right-click on any item in File Explorer, then select “Open command prompt here” if you want to use the Command Prompt instead of Windows Explorer
5. Click on “View” and select “Details” so that you can see more information about each file without scrolling down as far
6. Hold Shift when dragging items around in File Explorer so that they will be copied rather than moved
7. Right-click a file or folder, then select “Send To” > “Desktop” to create shortcut