Navigate File Explorer Without a Mouse

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated October 4, 2021)

1

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.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Get a Sense of Your Storage

Over time our computers can become bogged down by items in the Recycle Bin or by temporary files. To help free up space ...

Discover More

Favorite Weather Locations and News

Keeping track of the weather for various locations and staying on top of weather news can help you plan for activities ...

Discover More

Formatting a USB Drive with Disk Manager

Windows 10 provides multiple ways to format a USB drive. Discover how to use Disk Manager to easily format a USB drive.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Windows Run Commands

Run commands within Windows 10 allow for quick access to system resources. Here is a comprehensive list of the available ...

Discover More

Creating Shortcuts

Shortcuts can be a great timesaver, allowing you to quickly access frequently used programs and files. This tip explains ...

Discover More

Swipe Your Text

Whether you're using a tablet PC or a desktop, there is a new way to enter text. Using the swipe keyboard found in ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 - 7?

2021-10-04 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 . . .

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.