Windows File Explorer is far more powerful than its basic interface suggests. For advanced users, mastering its hidden features can significantly improve productivity, especially when working with large sets of files and folders. Below are seven advanced tips and tricks, explained with practical steps and real-world examples.
1. How to Open File Explorer in a Specific Location
By default, File Explorer opens to Quick Access or This PC, but advanced users often prefer starting directly in a working directory.
Step 1: Right-click the File Explorer icon in the taskbar and choose Unpin from taskbar.
Step 2: Locate File Explorer in the Start menu under Windows System.
Step 3: Right-click it and select More > Open file location.
Step 4: Right-click the File Explorer shortcut, select Properties, and under Target, append the path of the folder you want to open. For example:
%windir%\explorer.exe D:\Projects
Step 5: Re-pin the shortcut to the taskbar. Now File Explorer will always open at D:\Projects.
2. How to Use Advanced Search Filters for Precision
Finding files quickly is critical when dealing with large directories. File Explorer supports advanced search operators.
Example: Searching for all PDFs modified in the last week.
Step 1: In the search box, type: *.pdf
Step 2: Add modified:this week for time filtering.
Step 3: Combine filters: *.pdf modified:this week
This helps quickly locate recently updated project documents without scanning manually.
3. How to Enable and Customize Grouping in Folders
Grouping files by category helps in sorting large file sets.
Step 1: Right-click in the folder and select Group by.
Step 2: Choose criteria such as Date Modified, Type, or Size.
Step 3: To further refine, select Sort by and pick secondary parameters.
For example, in a folder of images, group by Date Taken and sort by Size to easily locate the largest photo from a specific date.
4. How to Map Network Drives for Faster Access
Advanced users working in enterprise environments often need frequent access to network shares.
Step 1: Open File Explorer and go to This PC.
Step 2: Select Computer tab > Map network drive.
Step 3: Assign a drive letter and enter the folder path, such as \\Server\SharedData.
Step 4: Check Reconnect at sign-in for persistence.
Now, the network location acts like a local drive, making navigation and file management seamless.
5. How to Use Clipboard History for Multiple File Operations
Copying and pasting multiple items can be cumbersome. Clipboard history simplifies this.
Step 1: Press Windows + V to open Clipboard history.
Step 2: Enable it if it’s not already activated.
Step 3: Copy multiple file paths or filenames one after another.
Step 4: Press Windows + V and paste from your clipboard history.
This is especially useful when copying file paths for scripts, batch processing, or documentation.
6. How to Quickly Generate File Lists from a Folder
Instead of manually documenting files, you can export a folder list.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt in the target folder by typing cmd in its address bar.
Step 2: Run: dir /b > filelist.txt
Step 3: A text file named filelist.txt will appear in the same folder, containing all filenames.
This technique is valuable when auditing files, preparing reports, or generating lists for data migration.
7. How to Use Glary Utilities for Deep File and Folder Maintenance
While File Explorer handles navigation, advanced maintenance requires dedicated tools. Glary Utilities offers specialized functions for file and folder management.
Example: Removing duplicate files across multiple drives.
Step 1: Open Glary Utilities and go to the Advanced Tools tab.
Step 2: Select Duplicate Files Finder.
Step 3: Choose target directories and scan.
Step 4: Review duplicates and safely delete them.
Other useful features include Empty Folders Finder for cleaning up unnecessary directories and File Shredder for secure deletion. These tasks keep File Explorer organized and improve system efficiency.
Mastering these advanced File Explorer tricks transforms routine navigation into efficient file management. Whether it’s automating search, exporting file lists, or integrating Glary Utilities for deep cleanup, these methods allow experienced users to manage Windows files and folders with precision and speed.