Windows File Explorer Shortcuts: Complete List for Windows 10 & 11
- To open File Explorer, press Win + E this works on every version of Windows.
- Windows Explorer was renamed File Explorer starting with Windows 8; both names refer to the same built-in file manager.
- File Explorer has 50+ keyboard shortcuts across navigation, selection, file management, and view controls.
- Windows 11 added tabs use Ctrl + T to open a new tab and Ctrl + W to close one.
- A free downloadable PDF of all shortcuts is available at the end of this guide.
How to Open File Explorer (Win + E)
To open Windows File Explorer, press Win + E. This is the fastest method and works identically on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
If you prefer other options, here are seven ways to open File Explorer:
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Win + E.
- Taskbar: Click the folder icon pinned to the taskbar.
- Start menu: Click Start, type File Explorer, and press Enter.
- Run dialog: Press Win + R, type explorer, and press Enter.
- Power User menu: Press Win + X, then select File Explorer.
- Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → Run new task → type explorer.
- Open to a specific folder: Press Win + R, type explorer “C:\Your\Folder”, and press Enter.
Windows File Explorer: What It Is
Windows File Explorer (formerly Windows Explorer) is the built-in file manager in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It lets you browse, open, copy, move, rename, and search files and folders. Microsoft renamed Windows Explorer to File Explorer with the release of Windows 8, but the two names are used interchangeably and refer to the same tool.
Most-Used File Explorer Shortcuts
These are the shortcuts you’ll reach for every day.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open File Explorer | Win + E |
| Copy selected item | Ctrl + C |
| Cut selected item | Ctrl + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
| Undo an action | Ctrl + Z |
| Redo an action | Ctrl + Y |
| Select all items | Ctrl + A |
| Rename selected item | F2 |
| Delete to Recycle Bin | Delete |
| Delete permanently | Shift + Delete |
| Open Properties | Alt + Enter |
| Refresh the window | F5 |
Navigation Shortcuts
Move through folders and the address bar without touching the mouse.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Go back | Alt + Left Arrow |
| Go forward | Alt + Right Arrow |
| Go up one folder level | Alt + Up Arrow |
| Select the address bar | Alt + D (or Ctrl + L) |
| Open the address bar drop-down list | F4 |
| Move to the search box | Ctrl + E (or Ctrl + F) |
| Cycle through pane elements | F6 |
| Jump to top of the active window | Home |
| Jump to bottom of the active window | End |
File & Folder Management Shortcuts
Create, organize, and manage items quickly.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Create a new folder | Ctrl + Shift + N |
| Open a new File Explorer window | Ctrl + N |
| Close the current window | Ctrl + W |
| Display the preview pane | Alt + P |
| Show all folders above the selected folder | Ctrl + Shift + E |
| Expand all subfolders (left pane) | Num Lock + * |
| Expand the selected folder | Num Lock + + |
| Collapse the selected folder | Num Lock + – |
Selection Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Select all items | Ctrl + A |
| Select a continuous range | Shift + Arrow keys or Shift + Click |
| Select multiple individual items | Ctrl + Click |
| Select the next item | Arrow keys |
View & Layout Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Resize file/folder icons | Ctrl + Mouse scroll |
| Switch to Large Icons view | Ctrl + Shift + 2 |
| Switch to Details view | Ctrl + Shift + 6 |
| Maximize or restore the window | Win + Up Arrow |
| Minimize the window | Win + Down Arrow |
Windows 11 File Explorer Tab Shortcuts
Windows 11 (22H2 and later) introduced tabs in File Explorer, letting you open multiple folders in one window similar to a web browser.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open a new tab | Ctrl + T |
| Close the current tab | Ctrl + W |
| Switch to the next tab | Ctrl + Tab |
| Switch to the previous tab | Ctrl + Shift + Tab |
| Jump to a specific tab (1–9) | Ctrl + 1 … Ctrl + 9 |
Note: Tab shortcuts only work on Windows 11. They are not available on Windows 10.
Troubleshooting: Shortcut Not Working?
- Num Lock shortcuts (*, +, -) only work using the numeric keypad, not the number row, and only when an item is selected in the left navigation pane.
- Win + E not opening File Explorer? Restart Windows Explorer: open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find Windows Explorer, and click Restart.
- Tab shortcuts doing nothing? You’re likely on Windows 10 tabs require Windows 11 22H2 or newer.
Download Windows Explorer Shortcuts PDF
Want the full list offline? Download the Windows Explorer Shortcuts PDF — print it or keep it handy while you work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open File Explorer with the keyboard?
Press Win + E. This opens File Explorer instantly on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What is the keyboard shortcut for a new folder?
Press Ctrl + Shift + N inside File Explorer to create a new folder, then type a name and press Enter.
How do I open a new File Explorer tab in Windows 11?
Press Ctrl + T. To close the current tab, press Ctrl + W. Tabs are only available on Windows 11.
What’s the difference between Windows Explorer and File Explorer?
They are the same tool. Microsoft renamed Windows Explorer to File Explorer starting with Windows 8. Older guides and users still call it Windows Explorer.
How do I select all files in a folder?
Press Ctrl + A to select every file and folder in the current directory.
Why isn’t my File Explorer shortcut working?
The most common cause is the Num Lock shortcuts, which require the numeric keypad and a selected folder in the left pane. If Win + E fails, restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager.
Can I open File Explorer to a specific folder?
Yes. Press Win + R, type explorer “C:\Your\Folder\Path”, and press Enter.
How do I search within File Explorer?
Press Ctrl + F (or Ctrl + E) to jump to the search box, type your query, and press Enter.
Conclusion
File Explorer is the tool you open dozens of times a day, so a handful of shortcuts adds up to real time saved. Start with the essentials Win + E to open, Ctrl + Shift + N for a new folder, Alt + D for the address bar, and Ctrl + T for a new tab on Windows 11 then add the rest as they become second nature. Bookmark this page or grab the PDF so the full list is always one keystroke away.
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