On your Windows 11 PCan essential utility that you’ll often need access to is File Explorer. Like with Windows 10there are several ways to open File Explorer on a Windows 11 PC.

You can use a keyboard shortcuta desktop iconor even the Windows taskbar to open the Windows built-in file manager app.

Using a Keyboard Shortcut

The quickest way to launch File Manager in Windows 11 is by using a keyboard shortcut. Like with other appsthere’s a key combination that you can press to quickly open File Manager no matter where you are on your PC.

To do thispress the Windows + E at the same time. This will open a new File Explorer window on your screen. This window opens to the Quick access section of the Explorer.

From Windows Search

Another way to launch File Explorer on Windows 11 is by using the traditional Windows search. You can search for this utilitylike other appsand launch the utility from the search results.

To do so:

1. From the Windows taskbar (the bar at the bottom of your screen)select the Search option (which is a magnifying glass icon).

2. On the search window that openstype File Explorer.
3. In the search resultsselect File Explorer and the tool will open.

From the Start Menu

Windows 11 allows you to pin various items to your Start menuone of which is File Explorer. You can pin this utility to your Start menu and have quick access to the tool whenever you want.

To do this:

1. Open Windows 11’s Settings app by pressing Windows + I at the same time.
2. On the Settings screenfrom the sidebar to the leftselect Personalization.

3. Scroll down the Personalization screen and select Start. This lets you customize your Start menu items.

4. On the Start pageselect Folders.

5. On the Folders screen that openstoggle on the File Explorer option.

6. File Explorer is now pinned to your Start menu. Press the Windows keyand you’ll see all your pinned items.

From the Taskbar

Windows 11’s taskbar comes pinned with various appsone of which is File Explorer. You can click this File Explorer icon to open the utility.

If you don’t find the icon on the taskbarchances are the utility is unpinned from the taskbar. To add File Explorer back to the Windows taskbar:

1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows key.
2. Search for File Explorer in the Start menu.
3. Find File Explorer in the search resultsright-click the utilityand select Pin to taskbar.

4. Your taskbar should now have the File Explorer icon on it. Click this icon to launch the utility.

From the Power User Menu

To help you quickly access various built-in toolsWindows 11 offers a Power User Menu. This menu has File Explorertoowhich means you can use the menu to open this utility.

To access the Explorer this way:

1. Open the Power User Menu. Do this by either right-clicking the Start menu icon or pressing Windows + X keys simultaneously.
2. In the Power User Menu that opensselect File Explorer.

3. A new File Explorer window will open.

Using Command Prompt

Someone may rarely want to open a File Explorer window from Command Promptbut if you want to do thatthere’s a way.

There’s a command you can run from Command Prompt to open the utility.

1. Open the Start menusearch for Command Promptand select Command Prompt in the search results.

2. In the Command Prompt window that openstype the following command and press Enter: explorer

3. A new File Explorer window should open on your screen.

Using a Desktop Shortcut

If you’re used to launching apps by double-clicking the app shortcuts on your desktopyou can also use the same method to open File Explorer. Just double-click the File Explorer icon on your desktopand the tool will open.

In case your desktop doesn’t have the File Explorer iconadd the icon this way:

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I keys at the same time.
2. In Settingsfrom the sidebar on the leftselect Personalization.

3. On the Personalization screenselect Themes.

4. Scroll down the Themes screen and choose Desktop icon settings.

5. A dialog box will open. Hereenable the Computer box.

6. Click Apply followed by OK at the bottom.
7. Your desktop now has a This PC icon. Double-click this icon to open a File Explorer window.

From the Run Box

Windows 11’s Run box gives you access to many apps installed on your PCincluding File Explorer.

1. Press the Windows + R keys at the same time to open Run.
2. In the Run boxtype the following and press Enter: explorer

3. Run will open a new File Explorer window.

From Task Manager

If you’re inside Task Manager and specificwant to open File Exploreryou don’t have to quit the Task Manager tool. You can launch the file manager from within the Task Manager.

1. On the Task Manager windowselect File > Run new task from the menu bar.

2. In the Create new task window that openstype the following and press Enter: explorer

3. Task Manager will launch File Explorer.

Several Ways to Launch File Explorer on Windows 11

If you prefer certain ways over others to open your appsWindows 11 provides you with various ways to open your PC’s built-in file manager. Let us know what method you prefer in the comments below.