4 Alternative ways to open Windows File Explorer, hassle-free

HOLIDAY NEWS - As the native file manager on Windows PCs, File Explorer makes it easy to access and modify system and personal files on internal storage drives and connected USB drives. Considering how often we rely on it, here are some easy ways to open File Explorer in Windows.

1. Using keyboard shortcuts

Using Windows keyboard shortcuts is one of the easiest ways to open any application on a Windows PC. The operating system offers several combinations of keyboard shortcuts to help you launch frequently used applications such as the Run command dialog box, Settings application, Task Manager, and more. To quickly access File Explorer using keyboard shortcuts, just press Win + E.

2. Using the Taskbar or Start Menu

Another easy way to launch a File Explorer window with one click is from the Windows taskbar. You will see it on the taskbar by default. If not, you can access it from the Start menu.

You'll find the File Explorer icon by default in the Pinned section of the Start menu. You can click the application icon to open a new File Explorer window. You can also right-click and select Pin to taskbar for easier access.

If you don't find the icon in the Start menu, you can access File Explorer by simply typing File Explorer in the search bar and clicking the first result.

3. Use the Windows-X menu

The Windows-X menu (or Power User menu) contains direct links to launch useful system applications and tools such as Terminal or Disk Management. Here's how to open File Explorer using the Windows-X menu.

1. Press the Win + X keyboard shortcut or right-click the Windows icon in the taskbar.

2. Click File Explorer to open a new application window.

4. Using the Run dialog box

Run dialog box is an old utility to launch any application on Windows PC. As long as you know the correct application shortcode, you can launch the application without even using a mouse. Here's how.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type explorer and press Enter to open the File Explorer window.

File Explorer can be directly accessed using keyboard shortcuts or taskbar icons. But if you want to open these built-in tools like a pro, you can use the Windows-X menu or the Run dialog box instead.