Exploring and managing files and folders effectively is at the core of a smooth Windows experience. For beginner users, Windows File Explorer can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but mastering a few essential tips and tricks can make everyday tasks much easier. Paired with a tool like Glary Utilities, file and folder management becomes not only simple but also more powerful. Let’s dive into practical File Explorer techniques and see how Glary Utilities can further streamline your file handling.
What Are the Essential File Explorer Tricks Every Beginner Should Know?
1. Quickly Show File Extensions and Hidden Files
Sometimes, you need to see what type of file you’re dealing with or locate hidden system files.
Step-by-step:
– Open File Explorer.
– Click on the “View” tab (Windows 10) or the “View” menu (Windows 11).
– Check “File name extensions” to see if a file is, for example, a .docx or a .jpg.
– Check “Hidden items” to display files and folders Windows normally keeps out of view.
Real-world example: You want to rename a photo from “vacation” to “vacation.jpg”—seeing extensions ensures you don’t accidentally remove the file type.
2. Use the Address Bar as a Quick Navigation Tool
You can type the path of any folder directly in the address bar at the top. For example, typing “C:\Users\YourName\Documents” and pressing Enter takes you there instantly.
Practical tip: Type “Downloads” and press Enter to jump straight into your downloads folder, saving time from clicking through many folders.
3. Select Multiple Files Efficiently
Instead of clicking files one by one, use these tricks:
– Hold Ctrl and click to select individual files.
– Hold Shift, click the first file, then the last file to select a range.
This is handy when you want to move or delete many files at once.
4. Organize Files with Libraries and Quick Access
Pinning frequently used folders to Quick Access saves time.
– Right-click a folder, select “Pin to Quick Access.”
– To remove, right-click again and choose “Unpin from Quick Access.”
For documents, music, or pictures you use often, this keeps everything one click away.
How Does Glary Utilities Make File Management Even Easier?
Glary Utilities is a user-friendly suite designed to maintain, clean, and optimize your Windows PC. It offers several features that complement File Explorer for beginners:
1. Disk Cleaner:
Glary Utilities scans your system for unnecessary files, temporary files, and leftovers you might not spot using File Explorer alone. With one click, you free up disk space and reduce clutter.
How to use:
– Open Glary Utilities.
– Select “Disk Cleaner” from the main menu.
– Click “Scan,” review the results, and hit “Clean” to remove junk files.
2. Duplicate File Finder:
Duplicate files can waste space and cause confusion. Glary Utilities can automatically find and help you safely delete these extras.
How to use:
– Open Glary Utilities.
– Click on “Duplicate Files Finder.”
– Choose the folders to scan and begin the search.
– Review the duplicates and choose which ones to delete.
3. File Shredder:
When you delete sensitive files, they can sometimes be recovered. Glary Utilities’ “File Shredder” securely erases files, ensuring private data stays private.
How to use:
– In Glary Utilities, select “File Shredder.”
– Add the files or folders you want to destroy.
– Click “Shred” to permanently remove them.
Can Glary Utilities Help With Slow File Explorer Performance?
Yes! Over time, a cluttered file system and cached data can slow down File Explorer. Running Glary Utilities’ “One-Click Maintenance” regularly removes junk files, fixes registry errors, and optimizes system performance—resulting in a faster, more responsive File Explorer.
Real-world example:
If you notice folders taking longer to open or searches becoming sluggish, running maintenance through Glary Utilities can restore snappy performance without manual cleanups.
How Can Beginners Automate File and Folder Maintenance?
Glary Utilities allows you to schedule cleanups and maintenance tasks so you don’t have to remember to do them.
– Open Glary Utilities.
– Go to the “Schedule” option in settings.
– Set up automatic scans for disk cleaning or other maintenance tools.
This hands-off approach keeps your file system organized and your PC running efficiently.
Summary
Learning a few File Explorer tricks—like revealing file extensions, using the address bar, and organizing with Quick Access—can make any beginner feel more confident in managing Windows files and folders. By adding Glary Utilities to your toolbox, you automate cleanup, eliminate duplicates, and securely erase sensitive data, all with a few clicks. Together, these steps make everyday file management easy, safe, and efficient for any Windows user.