Windows Explorer is essentially the graphical interface that makes Windows computers easy to use. For example, the desktop and taskbar containing icons are part of the graphical interface. In fact, when the desktop or taskbar is gone, restoring it is usually a simple matter of restarting the explore.exe process. Where Internet Explorer lets you browse the Web, Windows Explorer lets you browse Windows without having to type DOS-like commands.
While Windows Explorer provides the general user interface, another smaller component is also called Windows Explorer. This smaller component is the Windows Explorer file manager. It allows you to explore your computer’s hard drive and file system. You can start Windows Explorer in several ways, including:
- Click Start > My Computer (or Computer)
- Right-click Start > Explore (or Open Windows Explorer)
Depending on your version of Windows, Windows Explorer will have different features, such as Task Pane or Search Assistant. In general, Explorer lists the various storage devices that are on your computer, such as the hard drive, external hard drive, network drives, and any portable storage devices you may have attached, such as USB thumb drives, memory cards, etc. memory or digital cameras. When you click on a storage device, you will see a list of folders. When you click on a folder, you will see a list of the contents of the folder, such as subfolders and files.
Along the top of the Explorer window is an address bar where you can enter specific paths. Below that is a menu bar that contains a variety of menu listings that vary drastically between different versions of Windows. A small search box is usually found in the upper right corner of the menu bar. The main screen is usually divided into a task panel and a main panel. The layout varies depending on the operating system and user preferences as it has changed over the years and can be customized per user.
Despite its many incarnations, Windows Explorer remains a useful tool for finding and managing files and folders. Among its many uses are:
- Search for specific files
- Search for all files of a certain type
- Drag and drop files from one location to another
- Find more information (properties) about a file or folder
- Create desktop shortcuts
- Manage files and folders (organize, delete, rename, share, etc.)
Not only can you manage your computer’s folders and files more easily, but you can also open two (or more) instances of it. With two windows open, you can quickly and easily drag and drop files from one location to another. Ideally, you’ll position each window side by side so you can see what you’re doing. For example, if you want to move some of your files from “My Documents” to a folder called “Old Documents”, open two Windows Explorer windows, place them side by side and open the My Documents folder on the left and open the Old Documents folder on the right. Finally, drag and drop the files from My Documents to Old Documents.
If you use Windows, understanding Windows Explorer will help you better manage your documents, files, and folders. Please take your time to explore this useful utility.
