Windows does not have a built-in direct resize option in File Explorer’s right-click menu for all versions. File Explorer allows you to manage your files effectively. An optional preview update for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 that expands dark mode, tweaks the shell, and quietly fixes several bugs. Next, navigate to the ‘View’ tab, locate ‘Launch folder windows in a separate process’, untick the checkbox for it and finally click on ‘OK’ to save the changes. There’s a setting to launch folder windows in a separate process for File Explorer. Now, you can either select one of the themes listed at the top or select the ‘Themes’ option to customize the theme or download more from the Store.
Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcut
These icons can be present either at the top or bottom of the context menu. The icons for cut, copy, paste, rename, and delete, that were present in the Command Bar are added to the new context menu as well. Windows 11 has introduced a new simplified Context Menu, one where all the icons and options can be distinguished in a single glance.
Navigation Pane
You can navigate through folders by double-clicking them or using the forward and back buttons in the toolbar. Yes, you can enable the preview pane from the View tab to see a preview of files in certain formats before opening them. Use the search bar at the top right of the File Explorer window to type in the name of the file you’re looking for.
Interestingly, you can customize this Quick access page in File Explorer. As stated earlier, File Explorer opens to the Quick access page by default. In essence, when you click the “See More” icon in Windows 11 File Explorer, numerous items with various functions will appear.
Delete a File/Folder
- As the title of this sub-section suggests, you can open File Explorer in Windows 11 by just right-clicking the Start menu.
- Changing the view to the thumbnail is an easy way to increase the size of Windows 11 File Explorer texts.
- Drag-and-drop functionality allows intuitive file movement between folders and drives.
- Type the name of the file you’re looking for in the search bar at the top right.
- When you select ‘Compact view’, the space between the various items decreases.
Understanding performance factors helps prevent slowdowns and maintains responsive file management. Focus indicators help users track their current location within the File Explorer interface when using keyboard navigation or assistive technologies. Keyboard navigation support ensures complete File Explorer functionality without mouse dependence. Understanding these features ensures that File Explorer remains usable for everyone.
How to delete files in File Explorer
You’ll see a sidebar on the left with quick access to your most-used folders like Downloads, Documents, and Pictures. These alternatives often offer features like dual-pane views, advanced search capabilities, and more customization options. Quick access shows your frequently used folders and recent files. The number of options varies depending on whether a file or folder has been selected or if none has been selected.
How to “Pin” File Explorer Items to “Quick access”
The options here are all self-explanatory and you will get a hang of each within a few moments. The options did exist earlier, they have just been positioned differently on Windows 11. The last option, i.e., Show, lists the various panes, features and items that can easily be enabled or disabled. It applies both to the items listed in the folder and those in the navigation pane.
But, in case it persists, you have no option but to wait for an update. After updating the Graphics Driver, check if the error is fixed and you are able to access the new File Explorer. Press the WINDOWS key to launch the ‘Start Menu’, search for ‘File Explorer Options’ and then click on the relevant search result.
With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a revamped user interface for File Explorer, presenting both new features and a modernized experience. Adjusting indexing scope balances search functionality with system performance. Defragmentation on traditional hard drives optimizes file organization and improves File Explorer response times.
After restarting the computer, check if get access to the new File Explorer. When you restart the computer, the OS is reloaded which fixes any minor glitch that was preventing access to the new File Explorer. Many users who have switched to Windows 11 reported being unable to access the new File Explorer, instead, it was the old File Explorer that launched. To change themes in Windows 11, press the Windows logo key to launch the ‘Start Menu’, enter ‘Settings’, and then click on the relevant search result to launch the app. Check out the various themes in the ‘Personalization’ settings.
- Navigate through your files and folders by clicking on them.
- First, click the File Explorer icon on your taskbar or press the Win + E keys on your keyboard to open it.
- Double-click any folder name to open and view its contents.
- It works the same way as those in the previous versions, helping you quickly navigate through the various folders on the system.
- By proactively addressing issues and knowing where to turn for help, you can ensure smoother navigation, better organization, and a more productive digital life on your Windows PC.
It’s the central place where you browse files, organize folders, access drives, and manage documents, pictures, and downloads. You now know how to open it, navigate quickly to frequently used folders, and use the search function to find specific files. Navigate through your files and folders by clicking on them.
Clearing these histories regularly through Privacy settings helps maintain confidentiality, especially on shared computers. File Explorer maintains recent items lists and search history that may expose private information. Avoiding execution of unknown file types prevents malware infections. This interface allows system-wide configuration of default applications for various file types and protocols.
Clearing the thumbnail cache involves navigating to Settings, selecting System, then Storage, and clicking Temporary files. The search box supports advanced operators and filters that help locate files quickly across your entire system or specific locations. You can customize how files are displayed, whether to show hidden files, and configure thumbnail settings. Drag-and-drop functionality allows intuitive file movement between folders and drives. The up arrow button takes you to the parent directory, while the address bar allows direct navigation by typing folder paths.
Navigate to the location where you want to paste the file and click on the ‘Paste’ icon in the Command Bar. Once you have either cut or copied a file, the ‘Paste’ icon won’t be greyed out anymore. To create a new folder or item, click on the ‘New’ option at the extreme left of the Command Bar.
File Explorer displays file extensions when configured properly, helping identify potentially dangerous files like executables disguised as documents. When file associations become corrupted or files open in unexpected applications, resetting associations to Windows defaults often resolves issues. Choosing “Choose another app” opens a dialog where vegas casino you can select different applications and set them as default for that file type. File Explorer provides multiple methods for configuring these associations and troubleshooting when files open in incorrect programs.
If you need different features or find File Explorer unsuitable for specific tasks, you can consider alternative file manager applications. These tools check for and repair corrupted Windows system files. File Explorer itself does not save files; applications do.
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, locate Windows Explorer in the processes list, select it, and click restart. Personalizing File Explorer settings can dramatically improve your workflow efficiency. When you open File Explorer, you can easily access your drives, OneDrive, Quick Access, Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and other common locations.
Alternatively, you can select the image you want to delete by left-clicking it. Although Windows 11 File Explorer doesn’t have an image/photo resize option, Windows 11 Photos app has a resize option. On the Quick access page in Windows 11 File Explorer, you will see two categories – Folders and Recent Files. Other File Explorer items you can pin to Quick access include “This PC” and “Network”.
The central section of the File Explorer window displays the content of the currently selected folder. The left side of the File Explorer window features the navigation pane, which allows you to switch between various locations quickly. Restart Windows Explorer from Task Manager, clear history, or run SFC /scannow to fix corrupted files. The Performance Options dialog, accessible through System Properties, allows selective disabling of animations and visual enhancements. Disk cleanup removes temporary files that can accumulate and slow File Explorer operations. Screen reader compatibility provides spoken feedback for file listings, navigation elements, and dialog boxes.

