File Management

File Explorer:

Accessing File Explorer:

  • Click on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar or press Win + E to open File Explorer.

taskbar_filemanagement.png

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.

  • To pin folders and files to quick access.

    1. Right click on the select folder and file

    2. Select Pin to quick access

  • To remove pins from quick access:

    1. Right click on pinned folder or file

    2. 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.

address bar.png

Managing Files and Folders:

Selecting Files:

  • Click on a file to select it.

  • Hold Ctrl while selecting each individual file to select multiple, individual files.

  • Hold Shift and drag over files to select a range of files.

Selecting Folders:

  • Click on a folder to select 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.

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.

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.

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.