Windows File Explorer is a powerful tool for managing your files and folders, but many users only scratch the surface of its capabilities. If you’re an intermediate Windows user, mastering Explorer’s features can transform how you work. On top of that, using a comprehensive utility like Glary Utilities can take your file management and system optimization to the next level. This guide will show you professional techniques, real-world tips, and how Glary Utilities fits into smarter file handling.
Why Go Beyond the Basics in File Explorer?
Most users know basic tasks like copying, pasting, and renaming files. However, intermediate users should harness advanced features like batch operations, sorting, filtering, and search enhancements. Improving your workflow and optimizing your system’s performance go hand in hand with effective file and folder management.
What Are the Most Useful File Explorer Tips for Intermediate Users?
1. Use Advanced Search and Filters
Windows File Explorer has a robust search function with advanced filters. Try these techniques:
– To find files by type: Type *.pdf to find all PDFs in a folder.
– To search by date: Use date:>1/1/2024 to list files modified after January 1, 2024.
– To combine filters: Kind:=picture datemodified:this week
2. Customize the Navigation Pane
Right-click the Navigation Pane to add or remove libraries and frequently used folders. Pin important locations to Quick Access for faster navigation.
3. Batch Rename Files
Select multiple files, press F2, type a new name, and hit Enter. Windows will automatically add numbers for each file.
4. Preview Files Quickly
Enable the Preview Pane (Alt + P) to view file contents—especially images and documents—without opening them.
5. Use Group By and Sort
Right-click in a folder, select Group by or Sort by, and choose criteria like date, type, or size. This is excellent for large directories.
6. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell in Any Folder
Type cmd or powershell in the address bar and press Enter to open the respective terminal in that folder’s path.
7. Access Hidden Files and Extensions
Go to the View tab (Windows 10) or View menu (Windows 11), then check “File name extensions” and “Hidden items” to make these visible.
How Can Glary Utilities Enhance File Explorer Tasks?
Glary Utilities isn’t just about cleaning up junk files—it offers specialized tools for managing, optimizing, and safeguarding your files and folders, making your Explorer experience seamless and efficient.
– Duplicate File Finder: Over time, your system accumulates duplicate files that waste space and clutter Explorer. Glary Utilities scans for identical files across different folders and helps you safely remove them.
– Disk Space Analyzer: Ever wondered what’s taking up so much space? Glary Utilities visualizes folder and file sizes in an easy-to-understand format, letting you pinpoint and manage large or unnecessary files without hunting manually in Explorer.
– File Splitter and Joiner: Need to break up large files for sharing or backup? Glary Utilities can split files and recombine them later, a feature not available in Explorer.
– Secure File Deletion: Deleting sensitive files in Explorer doesn’t always remove them permanently; they can be recovered with the right tools. Glary Utilities’ “File Shredder” securely overwrites files, ensuring they’re unrecoverable.
– File Undelete: Accidentally deleted something important? Glary Utilities can scan for recently deleted files—even those removed from the Recycle Bin—and help recover them.
Step-by-Step Example: Removing Duplicate Files with Glary Utilities
1. Open Glary Utilities.
2. Go to “Advanced Tools” and select “Duplicate Files Finder.”
3. Choose the folders you want to scan (for example, Documents or Pictures).
4. Set your matching criteria—by name, size, or content.
5. Click “Scan.” Review the results and select which duplicates to remove.
6. Confirm your choices and let Glary Utilities clean them up.
This automated process is far quicker and less error-prone than manually sifting through Explorer.
How Does This Integration Improve Productivity?
Using File Explorer’s advanced features helps you work smarter, not harder—while integrating Glary Utilities ensures your file system is organized, clutter-free, and running efficiently. Tasks like decluttering folders, recovering lost files, or securely deleting sensitive data become much faster and safer.
Should You Make Glary Utilities Part of Your Regular Maintenance?
Absolutely. In addition to file and folder management, Glary Utilities offers one-click maintenance, registry cleaning, startup optimization, and privacy protection. Scheduling regular scans can keep your Windows environment optimized and your File Explorer running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Intermediate Windows users can unlock significant productivity gains by mastering File Explorer’s hidden features and supplementing them with Glary Utilities. The combination streamlines file operations, enhances security, and simplifies cleanup and recovery tasks. If you aim to keep your system organized and operating at peak performance, integrating these professional tips and utilities is a smart move.