Windows File Explorer is one of the most frequently used tools in Windows 10, yet many users only scratch the surface of what it can really do. For intermediate users, mastering File Explorer means working smarter with files and folders, reducing time spent navigating, and keeping everything more organized. Below are ten practical ways to make the most of File Explorer in Windows 10.
1. Use Quick Access for Faster Navigation
Quick Access is a powerful feature that keeps your most-used folders right at the top of File Explorer. Instead of constantly drilling down through multiple directories, pin commonly used folders to Quick Access. For example, if you often work with a project folder buried deep in your documents, right-click the folder and select “Pin to Quick Access.” It’s now always available with a single click.
2. Customize the Ribbon Toolbar
The Ribbon toolbar at the top of File Explorer contains commands for file and folder management. You can customize it by right-clicking and adding frequently used commands, like “New Folder” or “Properties.” This saves you time by having your most-used actions always visible without navigating through menus.
3. Change Folder View Options to Match Your Needs
Different folders often require different viewing modes. For example, photos are easier to browse with large icons, while spreadsheets are best viewed in a details layout. You can set specific folder views by going to the “View” tab and choosing from options like Details, List, Large Icons, or Content. Once set, apply your preferred layout to all similar folders by clicking “Options” > “Apply to Folders.”
4. Master File Grouping, Sorting, and Filtering
Large folders can quickly become overwhelming. You can organize files by grouping them by type, date, or size. Right-click inside the folder, choose “Group by,” and select your preferred option. Similarly, the column headers in Details view let you sort and filter files instantly. For example, sorting by “Date modified” helps you quickly find the most recent version of a file.
5. Apply File and Folder Search Filters
The search box in File Explorer is more powerful than many users realize. Typing keywords like “*.pdf” will show only PDF files in the folder, while “date: this week” filters files created within the last seven days. These filters save time when working with large file collections.
6. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency
Memorizing a few key shortcuts can dramatically speed up file management. For example, pressing Windows key + E opens File Explorer instantly. Ctrl + Shift + N creates a new folder, while Alt + D selects the address bar so you can quickly type or paste a folder path. These shortcuts eliminate extra clicks and streamline daily navigation.
7. Preview Files Without Opening Them
The Preview Pane in File Explorer allows you to see file content without opening the file. Activate it by clicking the “View” tab and selecting “Preview Pane.” This is especially useful for quickly browsing documents, images, or PDFs without launching dedicated apps.
8. Access Hidden Files and Extensions
By default, File Explorer hides system files and file extensions. For better control, go to the “View” tab and check “File name extensions” and “Hidden items.” Knowing file extensions is especially useful when working with downloads, ensuring you can distinguish between similar-looking files, such as .jpg and .png images.
9. Use Libraries for Better Organization
Libraries allow you to combine multiple folders into a single view. For example, you can have files from different drives all appear in the same Documents or Pictures library. To enable Libraries, right-click in the navigation pane, choose “Show libraries,” and then organize them to match your workflow.
10. Keep File Explorer Clean and Optimized
File Explorer performance can slow down if your system is cluttered with unnecessary files, duplicate content, or registry errors. Using Glary Utilities helps keep File Explorer running smoothly. Its Disk Cleaner and Duplicate File Finder remove clutter, while its Context Menu Manager trims down right-click options that can slow down navigation. Regularly using Glary Utilities ensures File Explorer remains responsive and efficient, especially when handling large numbers of files.
By applying these ten tips and tricks, intermediate Windows 10 users can dramatically improve their daily workflow with File Explorer. From faster navigation and smarter folder organization to keeping the system optimized with Glary Utilities, mastering these best practices makes managing files and folders more efficient and stress-free.