When you are navigating using File Explorer within Windows 10, as quick as your mouse might be, there are times that you can speed things up using keyboard shortcuts. File Explorer's keyboard shortcuts are a fast way to perform certain tasks without needing to move your mouse. Any of these shortcuts can be used when you have a File Explorer window active:
| Keyboard Shortcut | Result | |
|---|---|---|
| Alt+Up Arrow | Go up one level | |
| Alt+Left Arrow | Go back | |
| Alt+Right Arrow | Go forward | |
| Alt+D | Moves the focus to the Address Bar, while selecting the path in the Address Bar | |
| Alt+P | Display the preview panel | |
| Alt+Enter | Display the properties of the selected file | |
| F4 | Move insertion point to the address bar, while displaying the contents of the drop-down list of previous addresses | |
| F11 | Minimize or maximize the active window | |
| Tab | Rotate through search box, address bar, navigation pane, file list, and column headings | |
| Ctrl+Shift+E | Expand the navigation pane to the current folder | |
| Ctrl+Shift+N | Create a new subfolder in the current folder | |
| Ctrl+E or Ctrl+F | Select the search box | |
| Ctrl+N | Open a new window | |
| Ctrl+W | Close the active window | |
| Home | Select the top of the active window | |
| End | Select the bottom of the active window |
Using keyboard shortcuts within the File Explorer not only enables you to work faster, it also allows you to navigate without the use of a mouse.
This tip (1958) applies to Windows 10.
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Discover More2021-10-04 14:59:41
MW
You did not include "Backspace" in your list.
In an open File Manager (File Explorer) window, pressing backspace will return to the last opened File Manager window. It operates like the back button on a website.
It is really helpful when you open a sub-folder in a folder tree, which replaces the open folder, and you decide you want to go back to where you were.
Press Backspace and you are taken back to hat folder. Backspace again and you go back to previous folder . . .
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
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