File Explorer shortcuts

File Explorer includes keyboard shortcuts to help you get things done a little quicker.

These are the most useful shortcuts for the default file manager on Windows 10.

Keyboard shortcut Action

Windows key + E Open File Explorer.

Alt + D Select address bar.

Ctrl + E (or F) Select search box.

Ctrl + N Open new window.

Ctrl + W Close active window.

Ctrl + F (or F3) Start search.

Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel Change view file and folder.

Ctrl + Shift + E Expands all folders from the tree in the navigation pane.

Ctrl + Shift + N Creates a new folder on desktop or File Explorer.

Ctrl + L Focus on the address bar.

Ctrl + Shift + Number (1-8) Changes folder view.

Alt + P Display preview panel.

Alt + Enter Open Properties settings for the selected item.

Alt + Right arrow key View next folder.

Alt + Left arrow key (or Backspace) View previous folder.

Alt + Up arrow Move up a level in the folder path.

F11 Switch active window full-screen mode.

F2 Rename selected item.

F4 Switch focus to address bar.

F5 Refresh File Explorer's current view.

F6 Cycle through elements on the screen.

Home Scroll to the top of the window.

End Scroll to the bottom of the window.