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Windows File Explorer is the built-in Windows tool for finding, opening, organizing, and managing files and folders on your PC and in connected cloud storage. Press Windows logo key + E to open it.
What File Explorer does
File Explorer is Windows’ file-management interface, not a separate storage device or a paid app. It gives you a way to browse folders and drives, see files, and perform everyday tasks such as searching, copying, moving, renaming, sharing, and deleting items. Microsoft describes it as a tool for managing files and folders “on your PC and in the cloud.” Microsoft Support: File Explorer in Windows
How to open File Explorer
In Windows 11, select the File Explorer icon on the taskbar or choose it from the Start menu. The keyboard shortcut is Windows logo key + E. Microsoft Support: File Explorer in Windows
How to find and manage files
Browse folders and drives
Use the navigation pane to move among locations such as folders, drives, network locations, and connected cloud storage. The main pane shows the files and folders in the location you select. If you know where an item is saved, browsing to that folder or drive is a direct way to find it.
#1 Best Overall
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Search from Home or a location
In Windows 11, Home can surface recent and favorite items, and you can search from there or from a specific folder or drive. Searching local and cloud files depends on your setup; cloud results require signing in to the relevant cloud account. Microsoft Support: File Explorer in Windows
Change the view and use file commands
File Explorer can display items as icons, a list, or details. Its toolbar and context menus provide commands for common tasks such as copying, moving, renaming, sharing, and deleting files or folders. You can also choose to show file-name extensions or hidden items when needed.
Rank #2
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
- 4GB DDR4 System Memory; 128GB Solid State Drive
- 11.6" HD (1366 x 768) Multi-Touch Display
- Combo headphone/microphone jack - Noble Wedge Lock slot - HDMI; 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Windows 11 Pro
What Home and Quick access mean in Windows 11
Home is a File Explorer starting point, not a separate place where files are stored. In Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, familiar folders are pinned in Quick access by default: Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos. You can pin or unpin folders. You can also set File Explorer to open to This PC instead of Home. The exact layout and default landing page may differ across Windows versions. Microsoft Support: File Explorer in Windows
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How cloud files appear in File Explorer
OneDrive is an optional cloud connection. After you sign in and set up syncing, selected OneDrive files and folders can appear in File Explorer and be managed alongside local files. Files On-Demand can let you access cloud files without downloading every file to your PC; availability depends on your account and sync settings. Cloud files do not appear automatically just because File Explorer is installed. Microsoft Support: Sync your computer’s files and folders with OneDrive and Microsoft Support: Store your work files on OneDrive
Rank #3
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 availability
Microsoft’s File Explorer guidance covers Windows 10 and Windows 11. Windows 10 still works, but Microsoft support for it ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Microsoft Support: File Explorer in Windows and Microsoft Support: Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
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