Windows File Explorer is at the heart of file management in Windows 10 and 11. While most users know the basics, there are many powerful features and strategies that can boost efficiency, organization, and overall productivity—especially for intermediate users. Here are the seven most effective tips and tricks for getting the most out of File Explorer, complete with actionable advice and practical examples.
How Can You Optimize Your Navigation with Quick Access?
Quick Access is a frequently overlooked feature in File Explorer that lets you pin your most-used folders for instant access. Instead of browsing through multiple directories every time you need a folder, pin it to the Quick Access section.
To pin a folder, right-click it and select “Pin to Quick Access.” For example, if you regularly work with a project folder buried in Documents, pinning it saves you several clicks every session. You can also unpin folders by right-clicking them in Quick Access and selecting “Unpin from Quick Access” if your needs change.
What’s the Best Way to Use File Explorer Tabs and Multiple Windows?
Windows 11 introduces tabs in File Explorer, making multitasking much easier. Open multiple folders in the same window using tabs, just like you would in a web browser. Press Ctrl + T to open a new tab, and Ctrl + W to close one. For users on Windows 10, or for more complex tasks, you can open several File Explorer windows and use Windows Snap (Win + Left/Right arrow) to view them side by side.
For example, when organizing photos from an SD card, open one tab for the source folder and another for your destination. Drag and drop files between tabs for a fast and organized workflow.
How Can You Quickly Locate Files with Advanced Search and Filters?
The search function in File Explorer is more powerful than it seems. Use search filters to narrow down results. For instance, to find all Word documents modified last week, type *.docx datemodified:last week in the search bar. You can also use kind: to filter by file type, such as kind:music for audio files.
If you often search for the same file types or folders, save your searches by clicking “Search” in the ribbon, then “Save search.” This creates a shortcut for one-click access next time.
What Are the Most Efficient Ways to Rename Multiple Files?
Renaming batches of files manually is tedious, but Windows provides an easy solution. Select all the files you want to rename, right-click the first file, and choose “Rename.” Type the new name and press Enter; File Explorer will automatically append (1), (2), etc., to each file.
For advanced renaming (such as adding dates or custom patterns), consider third-party tools. Glary Utilities, for example, includes a file renaming tool that offers more sophisticated rules and preview options, helping you standardize files like photos or work documents quickly.
How Do You View and Sort Files Like a Pro?
Change the view of your files based on your needs. Use Ctrl + Shift + 1-8 to quickly toggle between extra-large icons, details, list, and more. The “Details” view is great for sorting files by size, type, or date. Click column headers to sort, or right-click them to add more criteria, like author or tags.
For users managing work files, this is invaluable—sort your spreadsheets by date modified to quickly find the most recent budget, or by file size to locate large files that may be hogging disk space.
How Can You Securely and Efficiently Delete Unwanted Files?
Keeping your folders tidy prevents clutter and improves performance. Use File Explorer to select and delete old or unnecessary files, but remember that deleted files go to the Recycle Bin and still consume disk space until emptied.
For a more thorough cleanup, Glary Utilities offers a “Disk Cleaner” feature that scans for junk files, temporary files, and log files that accumulate over time. This tool can quickly reclaim space across user profiles and system folders, reducing clutter more effectively than manual deletion.
What Is the Easiest Way to Access Hidden Files and Folders?
Some system files and folders are hidden by default for safety. If you need to troubleshoot, back up, or modify configurations, you may need to access them. In File Explorer, click “View” in the ribbon and check the “Hidden items” box to reveal these files.
Be cautious when editing or deleting hidden items—many are essential for Windows. As a best practice, create a backup before making changes. For example, before editing a configuration file in AppData, copy it to a safe location.
Conclusion
Mastering Windows File Explorer is about more than just finding files—it’s about adopting best practices that keep your system organized and your workflow efficient. By using Quick Access, tabs, advanced search, batch renaming, detailed views, efficient deletion, and access to hidden files, you can dramatically improve your file management. For deeper maintenance and cleanup, Glary Utilities remains a top recommendation, offering comprehensive tools that complement and enhance File Explorer’s capabilities.