How To Use The File Explorer on Windows 11

Windows 11 File Explorer for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Organizing Your PC!

Hi guys, this is Darren from Darren’s Tech Tutorials!

If you’ve recently moved to Windows 11 or if you’re new to PC navigation, the most fundamental skill you need to master is using the File Explorer. Think of the File Explorer as the digital filing cabinet for your entire computer. It’s where you store, organize, and retrieve every photo, document, and download.

This beginner-friendly tutorial will walk you through exactly how to open the File Explorer, navigate its features, and easily copy and move files so you can take control of your digital life!

Opening File Explorer: Two Simple Methods

Before we start organizing, we need to know how to access the File Explorer. Luckily, Windows 11 gives you two super-easy ways to launch it:

Method 1: Click the Folder Icon

The most straightforward way is to look down at your Taskbar (the strip usually at the bottom of your screen).

Click the yellow folder icon. This is the official File Explorer shortcut and will open the window instantly.

Method 2: The Speedy Keyboard Shortcut

For those who like efficiency, there is a fantastic shortcut that professional users rely on daily.

Hold down the Windows Key (this key often has the Windows logo on it).
While holding the Windows Key, press the letter E.

Pressing Windows Key + E together will immediately launch the File Explorer, saving you time every time you need to look for a file!

Understanding the File Explorer Layout

Once the File Explorer is open, you will see a window that acts as your command center. On the left-hand side, you’ll find the Navigation Pane. This is where you access your most important locations:

Desktop: Files saved directly on your desktop screen.
Downloads: This is the default location where web browsers save files you download from the internet (like installers or PDFs).
Documents: The classic place to store written reports, spreadsheets, and general paperwork.
This PC: Crucially, this section shows you a breakdown of your computer’s drives (usually your C: drive). Here you can see exactly how much storage space you have left!

Mastering Organization: Creating New Folders

The best way to keep your files straight is to use folders. Creating a new folder in any location is quick and easy:

Navigate: Click into the location where you want your new folder to reside (e.g., click on ‘Desktop’ in the Navigation Pane).
Right-Click: Right-click anywhere in the empty white space of the main window.
Create New: Hover over the New option in the menu that appears, and then click Folder.
Name It: A new folder icon will appear, highlighted and ready to be named. Type in a descriptive name (e.g., “Darren’s Projects” or “Vacation Photos”) and press the Enter/Return key.

Pro Tip for Navigation: If you click into a folder and want to quickly return to where you were, simply use the back arrow (located in the top-left corner of the File Explorer window, usually next to the address bar).

The Power of Movement: Copying, Cutting, and Pasting

Once you have files and folders, you’ll need to move them around. Windows 11 offers three essential tools for managing file placement: Copy, Cut, and Paste.

These options are available when you select a file (or folder) and look at the icons running across the top ribbon of the File Explorer window.

Copy vs. Cut

It’s important to understand the difference between the first two actions:

Copy: Creates a duplicate of the file. The original item stays exactly where it is, and a copy is placed on your digital clipboard, ready to be pasted somewhere else.
Cut: Moves the file entirely. The original item is taken from its current location and placed on your clipboard. When you paste it, it will disappear from its original spot.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving a File (Using Cut)

Let’s say you created a test file on your Desktop, but you realize it really belongs in your Documents folder. Here is how you move it efficiently:

Select the Item: Click once on the file or folder you wish to move (e.g., “Darren’s Test File”).
Cut: Click the Cut icon in the ribbon at the top of the window. You’ll notice the file icon will look slightly faded, indicating it’s ready to be moved.
Navigate: Use the Navigation Pane on the left to click on the new destination (in our example, click Documents).
Paste: Click the Paste icon in the ribbon at the top.

That’s it! Your file has now been cleanly moved from the Desktop and is safely stored in your Documents folder.

Start Organizing Today!

Mastering the File Explorer is the first big step toward becoming comfortable and efficient with Windows 11. By knowing how to quickly open the Explorer, create folders, and move items, you’re already well on your way to becoming a Windows pro!

If you found this tutorial helpful, please let me know by hitting that like button! We are putting up more of these essential introductory videos to Windows 11, so make sure you subscribe to Darren’s Tech Tutorials so you don’t miss out.

If you have any questions at all about using the File Explorer, drop a comment below, and I’ll certainly help if I can. Thanks for watching!