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    File Explorer Basics

    Find your files. Organize Windows.

    Open File Explorer

    • Click yellow folder icon on taskbar.
    • Or Windows key + E.
    • Or right-click Start, then File Explorer.
    • Three-pane window opens.
    • Left = list of locations.
    • Right = current folder contents.

    Default folders

    • Desktop — files visible on screen.
    • Documents — Word docs, PDFs.
    • Downloads — files downloaded from web.
    • Pictures — photos.
    • Music — music files.
    • Videos — video files.

    Find a file

    • Search bar top-right.
    • Type any part of file name.
    • Searches current folder.
    • Click "This PC" first to search all.
    • Recent files in left pane.
    • Quick Access — pinned folders.

    Move + copy files

    • Right-click file, then "Cut" (move).
    • Right-click file, then "Copy".
    • Open destination folder.
    • Right-click empty space, then "Paste".
    • Or drag file with mouse to folder.
    • Cancel = Ctrl+Z immediately.

    Make new folder

    • Right-click empty area.
    • Choose "New", then "Folder".
    • Type name immediately.
    • Press Enter.
    • Drag files in to organize.
    • Folder inside folder OK.

    Delete + recover

    • Right-click file, then "Delete".
    • Or select + Delete key.
    • File goes to Recycle Bin.
    • Recycle Bin on desktop.
    • Right-click in Bin, then "Restore".
    • Empty Recycle Bin = gone forever.

    Backup essentials

    Critical: regularly back up files. OneDrive (built-in) syncs to cloud free 5GB. External hard drive ($60-100). Don't lose photos in computer crash. File Explorer > right-click critical folder > Properties > backup options. Check OneDrive icon in tray for sync status.