For help with File Explorer in Windows 11, search Start for Get Help, open Get Help from Settings, or visit Microsoft’s Windows help site. If File Explorer will not open, Microsoft recommends checking for Windows updates and restarting; use Microsoft Support for further guidance. Use Feedback Hub to report a bug or suggest a feature, not to get immediate help.
Choose the right support route
| Your goal | Where to go | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Get guided help with a current problem | Get Help | Search for Get Help in Start, or open it through Settings. It offers help resources and may provide support options depending on your account and issue. |
| Browse Windows instructions or contact support | Microsoft Support | Browse Windows help topics, including Files & storage and Troubleshoot & repair, and review available contact options. |
| Report unexpected behavior or suggest a change | Feedback Hub | Submit feedback or find and upvote an existing report. Microsoft says Feedback Hub is for product feedback and reporting issues, not immediate help. |
Open Get Help
- Open Start and search for Get Help.
- Select the app and describe the File Explorer issue, such as “File Explorer won’t open.”
- Review the suggested guidance and any support options offered for your issue.
You can also look for Get Help from the Settings Home page or go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Availability and support options can vary by account and issue. For web-based guidance, visit Microsoft’s Windows help and learning site.
If File Explorer will not open
Microsoft’s current File Explorer guidance recommends checking for Windows updates and restarting the PC. If that does not resolve the problem, consult Microsoft’s File Explorer troubleshooting page and its recovery guidance. Treat resetting the PC as a later option because it is a consequential system recovery step.
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Restart the PC and try opening File Explorer again.
- If it still will not open, follow Microsoft’s current troubleshooting and recovery guidance rather than applying steps intended for another Windows version.
Useful File Explorer shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows key + E | Open File Explorer. |
| Ctrl + E or Ctrl + F | Focus the search box. |
| Alt + D | Select the address bar. |
| Ctrl + N | Open a new window. |
| Ctrl + W | Close the active window. |
| Alt + Left arrow, Alt + Up arrow, or Alt + Right arrow | Go to the previous folder, parent folder, or next folder. |
These are Microsoft-documented Windows shortcuts; behavior may vary in some applications. See Microsoft’s Windows keyboard shortcuts guide.
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Report a File Explorer bug
If File Explorer continues to behave unexpectedly after you have tried the relevant guidance, you can send a report through Feedback Hub. Press Windows key + F to open Feedback Hub and take a screenshot. Feedback Hub is for reporting issues and suggestions; for help resolving a current problem, use Get Help or Microsoft Support.
When reporting the issue, describe what you were doing, what happened, and any error message. Avoid including private information in a screenshot or report.
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FAQ
How do I get help with File Explorer in Windows 11?
Search Start for Get Help, open it through Settings, or browse Microsoft’s Windows help site. Describe the problem in Get Help to see relevant guidance and available support options.
What should I try if File Explorer will not open?
Check for Windows updates, install any available updates, and restart the PC. If the problem remains, follow Microsoft’s current File Explorer troubleshooting guidance.
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Is Feedback Hub the right place to get immediate help?
No. Microsoft describes Feedback Hub as a place to report product issues and suggestions. Use Get Help or Microsoft Support when you need help with a current problem.
What is the shortcut to open File Explorer?
Press Windows key + E. This is Microsoft’s documented shortcut for opening File Explorer.
Can I reset Windows to fix File Explorer?
Microsoft lists a PC reset as a possible later recovery option if File Explorer still will not start. Because resetting affects the system, consult Microsoft’s recovery guidance and understand the consequences before proceeding.
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