File Explorer:
Accessing File Explorer:
Click on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar or press Win + E to open File Explorer.
Navigation and Browsing:
Navigation Pane:
Use the Navigation Pane on the left of the window to quickly access favorite folders, drives, and recent files.
Quick Access:
Quick Access provides shortcuts to frequently used folders and recently accessed files.
You can also pin folders and files to quick access.
Right click on the select folder and file
Select Pin to quick access
To remove pins from quick access:
Right click on pinned folder or file
Select Remove from quick access
Address Bar:
The Address Bar at the top allows you to enter a path or navigate to different folders. Press Enter to go to the selected location.
Managing Files and Folders:
Selecting Files:
Click on a file to select it.
To select multiple, individual files, hold Ctrl while selecting each individual file.
Hold Shift and drag over files to select a range of files.
Selecting Folders:
To select a folder, click on it. Hold down Ctrl while clicking to select multiple individual folders.
Copying and Moving Files:
Drag and Drop:
Click and hold to drag files or folders from one location to another within File Explorer to copy or move them. Release the left-click button to drop the file.
Copy and Paste:
Right-click on a file or folder, select the Copy icon, navigate to the destination folder, right-click, and choose Paste or press CTRL+V.
Cut and Paste:
Similarly, you can select the cut icon to move files instead of copying.
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Alternatively, you can right-click on the file or folder and choose Show more options at the bottom of the menu and then select the options to Copy, Cut, or Paste. |
Creating New Folders:
New Folder:
Right-click in the desired location, choose New, then select Folder to create a new folder.
Renaming Files and Folders:
Rename:
Right-click on a file or folder, select the Rename icon, and then type the new name.
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Alternatively, you can right-click on the file or folder and choose Show more options at the bottom of the menu and then select Rename. |
F2 Shortcut:
Alternatively, press F2 to rename the selected file or folder.
Deleting Files and Folders:
Delete:
Select a file or folder, then press Delete on the keyboard, or right-click and choose the trash-can icon.
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Alternatively, you can right-click on the file or folder and choose Show more options at the bottom of the menu and then select Delete. |
Recycle Bin:
Deleted files are moved to the Recycle Bin. To permanently delete them, right-click on the Recycle Bin and choose Empty Recycle Bin.
Search and Filters:
Search Bar:
Use the Search bar in File Explorer to quickly find files and folders.
Filters:
Filters in the View tab allow you to sort files by different criteria such as Name, Date, and File Type.
Zip and Unzip Files:
A zip file is a compressed archive format used to combine and reduce the size of multiple files and folders into a single file. It simplifies transfer, storage, and sharing of files across systems and over the internet.
Compressing Files:
Select one or more files, right-click, and select Compress to ZIP file.
Extracting Files:
To extract files from a zip folder, right-click on it and select Extract All.
File Properties:
Viewing Properties:
Right-click on a file or folder, choose Properties to view details such as Size, Type, and Location.
Keyboard Shortcuts:
Ctrl + X, Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V: Cut, Copy, and Paste.
Ctrl + Z: Undo shortcut.
Ctrl + F: Use this shortcut to open the search bar in File Explorer.