If you want to open File Explorer from the desktop itself, you can create a custom File Explorer desktop shortcut in Windows. Here’s how.
You can open the File Explorer also known as the Windows explorer in several different ways. For example, you use the File Explorer icon on the taskbar or search for it in the Start menu. That being said, if you like to organize your desktop and open applications, files, and folders directly from there, having a dedicated File Explorer desktop shortcut will be handy. For whatever reason, Microsoft removed the Windows Explorer shortcut on the desktop in Windows 10.
The good thing is, you can easily create a desktop shortcut for File Explorer in several different ways. In this quick and simple guide, let me show you the steps to make a shortcut for File Explorer in Windows 10.
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Note: The methods and steps given below will also work in Windows 7 and 8.
How to create File Explorer desktop shortcut
To create a File Explorer shortcut, we first need to find the explorer.exe file and create a shortcut using that. It is pretty easy. Follow the steps listed below.
- Right-click on the desktop and select “New → Shortcut” option.
- In the shortcut window, add “C:\Windows\explorer.exe” in the blank field.
- Click “Next“.
- Type “File Explorer” in the name field and click “Finish“.
- You will have the File Explorer shortcut on the desktop.
That is all. Double-click on the shortcut and the File Explorer will be opened immediately.
How to add ‘This PC’ File Explorer to desktop
For Windows Explorer or File Explorer on desktop, you can also add the “This PC” icon to the desktop. This PC icon is just the My Computer renamed. Just like with the My Computer icon, you can open File Explorer using This PC.
Follow these steps to add This PC to Windows desktop.
- Open the Settings with the “Win key + I” keyboard shortcut.
- Go to “Personalization“.
- Go to the “Themes” page.
- Click on the “Desktop icon settings” link under “Related Settings“.
- Select “Computer” checkbox.
- Click “Apply” and “Ok” buttons.
- As soon as you save the changes, This PC icon is added to the desktop screen.
To open File Explorer, double-click on the This PC icon. The added benefit of This PC icon is that it gives useful options in the right-click menu. For example, you can open System Properties, map network drive, etc.
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As you can see, it is pretty easy to create and add Windows Explorer shortcut to the desktop in Windows 10. Follow any of the above methods to create the File Explorer desktop shortcut and you will be done in no time. Just as with any shortcut, you can simply delete them when you no longer need their presence on the desktop. Just select the shortcut and press the Del key on your keyboard.
I hope the above steps helped you. If you are stuck or need some help, comment below and I will try to help as much as possible. If you like this article, check out how to open File Explorer as administrator and how to improve the File Explorer search.
