File Explorer is an essential tool for managing files and folders in Windows. Using keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve efficiency, helping you quickly open, navigate, organize, and manage files without relying on a mouse.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to File Explorer keyboard shortcuts for Windows users.
🔹 Opening and Navigating File Explorer
Shortcut
Action
Windows key + E
Open File Explorer.
Ctrl + N
Open a new File Explorer window.
Ctrl + T
Open a new tab and switch to it.
Ctrl + Tab
Move to the next tab in File Explorer.
Ctrl + Shift + Tab
Move to the previous tab.
Ctrl + Number (1-9)
Move to the specific tab number.
Ctrl + W
Close the active tab (or the window if only one tab is open).
🔹 Navigation Shortcuts
Shortcut
Action
Alt + Left Arrow / Backspace
Go back to the previous folder.
Alt + Right Arrow
Go forward to the next folder.
Alt + Up Arrow
Move up one level in the folder hierarchy.
F4
Select the address bar to change the current path.
Alt + D / Ctrl + L
Focus on the address bar.
Ctrl + E / Ctrl + F
Select the search box to find files and folders.
F3
Open search in File Explorer.
F5
Refresh the active window.
🔹 Selecting and Managing Files
Shortcut
Action
Ctrl + Shift + N
Create a new folder.
Ctrl + D / Delete
Move the selected item to the Recycle Bin.
Shift + Delete
Permanently delete the selected file without sending it to the Recycle Bin.
F2
Rename the selected file or folder.
Shift + Arrow Keys
Select multiple items one by one.
Ctrl + Arrow Key + Spacebar
Select multiple individual items.
🔹 File and Folder Manipulation
Shortcut
Action
Alt + Enter
Open file or folder properties.
Shift + F10
Open the context menu (same as right-click).
Shift + Mouse Right-Click
Open the “Show more options” context menu.
Ctrl + Mouse Drag a File
Create a copy of the file in the new location.
Shift + Mouse Drag a File
Move the file to the new location.
Alt + Mouse Drag a File
Create a shortcut of the file in the new location.
🔹 Viewing and Organizing Files
Shortcut
Action
Alt + P
Show or hide the Preview Pane.
Alt + Shift + P
Show or hide the Details Pane.
Ctrl + Mouse Scroll Wheel
Change the size and appearance of icons.
Ctrl + Shift + Number (1-9)
Change the view style (e.g., 2 = Large Icons, 6 = Details).
Ctrl + Plus (+)
Resize all columns to fit text (Requires numeric keypad).
Ctrl + Shift + E
Expand all folders from the navigation pane.
🔹 Window and Scroll Shortcuts
Shortcut
Action
End
Scroll to the bottom of the window.
Home
Scroll to the top of the window.
F6
Cycle through different sections of File Explorer.
F11
Maximize or minimize File Explorer.
🔹 Why Use File Explorer Shortcuts?
Using keyboard shortcuts in File Explorer allows you to: ✔ Quickly navigate folders without using a mouse. ✔ Manage files and folders efficiently. ✔ Save time when organizing your workspace. ✔ Improve productivity by reducing manual clicks.
💡 Pro Tip:Start by using simple shortcuts likeWindows + E(open File Explorer) and Alt + Left Arrow(go back), then gradually incorporate more shortcuts into your workflow. 🚀
By mastering these File Explorer shortcuts, you’ll work faster, smarter, and more efficiently!
