When you are done with a File Explorer window (or any window, for that matter) just use Ctrl + W to close the selected window.Īnother option to close the window is Alt + F4. This is especially helpful when you are organizing files and moving them between various folders because you can simply drag them from window to window. Open a New Window with the Same FolderĬtrl + N will essentially duplicate the File Explorer window you are currently in. In either location, you can use your arrow keys to go up or down in the list of folders.

( Tab will move you back to the main window). Shift + Tab will move your selection from the files in the main window to the folder options in the left sidebar. Once your window is open, you may want to jump over to the Navigation Pane sidebar to navigate to pinned items in the Quick Access menu. To open the File Explorer window, simply press the Windows button ⊞ + E. These will work for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Watch on YouTube & Subscribe to our Channel 12 Keyboard Shortcutsīelow are 12 of my favorite keyboard shortcuts to use when working with Windows File Explorer.

Windows shortcut to close all windows