Four keyboard shortcuts that everyone should know to use Windows File Explorer like a pro
Windows File Explorer is a very important part of the operating system that lets us move around our computer.it, we can access our documents, folders, storage drives, and applications. Therefore, it is a central hub for all our activities.
Therefore, simplifying any search or task related to File Explorer can directly improve our productivity. It enables us to access our destination or organize its structure more easily. However, there are four particularly useful keys that many users may not know about. Moreover, these keys work in both Windows 11 and Windows 10, and it all starts with the main key: Windows + E. Using it, we can open File Explorer from anywhere.
- Windows + E: Open File Explorer
The Windows + E key is fundamental for mastering other keyboard shortcuts. Using this shortcut, you can automatically open File Explorer, whether you're playing music on Spotify or browsing YouTube videos.
This shortcut will take us directly to the Windows File Explorer homepage, from where we can begin browsing. It's worth noting that this shortcut, like others, works from any application. However, full-screen applications (such as video games or video players) might prevent its use until we close it.
- Ctrl+N: Open a new window
Thanks to this keyboard shortcut, we can open multiple File Explorer windows. This is extremely useful when you need to move a file between two different folders. Simply place the two File Explorer windows side by side and start dragging the desired file.
The advantage of this shortcut is that there's currently no button to open a new window in the interface. The only way to do this is to right-click on the taskbar (where File Explorer should be) and click "File Explorer." With this shortcut, we can skip any process.
Ctrl + Shift + N: New folder
It's true that we could always right-click on an empty space, select "New" from the context menu, and then choose "folder." But why use this slower method when we already have this keyboard shortcut?
After selecting this group, all you need to do is choose a name for the new folder and start using it. This will save you a lot of time if you distribute your activity across several folders.
- Ctrl + F: Search
A folder can contain a large number of files, making it difficult to find a specific file. Internet Explorer makes this easier. By pressing this key combination, you will be automatically directed to the program's built-in search bar, where you can type the file name.
Instead of manually searching for this bar, this shortcut takes us directly to it to start typing any word. This way, you won't waste time searching for that hidden image or file among its counterparts.