However, there are also on-screen shortcuts and other techniques which work just as well.

Just press theWINkey, typeexplorer, and then pressEnter.

It works in Command Prompt, Task Manager, the Run dialog box, and Windows PowerShell.

File Explorer shortcut on Windows 11 taskbar

File Explorer Is Missing?

File Explorer can’t actually go anywhere.

You don’t need to download File Explorer or reinstall it.

File Explorer in Windows 11 search results

Unlike some taskbar items, there isn’t an option within prefs which controls its visibility.

For example, pressWIN+Eto find File Explorer, and then right-nudge the icon and choosePin to taskbar.

By default, there isn’t one there, but it’s really easy to add one.

Explorer command in Windows 11 Command Prompt

Open parameters by right-clicking the Start button and choosingSettings.

TheWIN+ishortcut works, too.

Navigate toPersonalization>Start>Folders.

Pin to taskbar option for Windows 11 file explorer shortcut

go for the button next toFile Explorerto enable it.

Windows 8 introduced the name change, so from that version on, thefile manageris called File Explorer.

If you want to be consistent, Windows Explorer technically refers to older Windows versions.

File Explorer toggle in Windows 11 Start menu settings

FAQ

The Windows file system could have corrupt data or files.

reset the system cache andrun SFC /Scannow to repair damaged Windows files.

Update Windows 11 to the latest build to use File Explorer tabs.

In File Explorer, right-click theDownloadsfolder and selectProperties.

In the Properties menu, go to theLocationtab and selectMoveto choose where you want downloaded files to be saved.