How to Use Windows File Explorer, Part 5 of 5: Shortcuts, Recycle Bin, Hidden Files and Other Tips

In this final part of the five part series on using Windows File Explorer, you'll learn a grab bag of tips and information--information that didn't really fit in one of the previous videos.

You'll learn about file shortcuts, what they are and how to make your own. You'll learn how to work with multiple copies of File Explorer at the same time, and why you would do that. You'll gain a new understanding of file viewing layouts, and how to set them for any folder you are using. You'll also learn to take control of the information you see about your files by adding data columns to a view and by sorting files and folders. You'll learn how to view hidden files and how to hide/unhide files. You'll learn how to rename a drive, which is handled differently from renaming files and folders. You'll also learn how to rescue deleted files from the Recycle Bin including finding files you may have accidentally deleted recently, and how manage the files that are in your Recycle Bin. You'll learn how the file dialog boxes in most programs are very similar to File Explorer, and how you can apply the same File Explorer techniques to help you manipulate files while using file dialog boxes in most programs. You'll also learn how to add items to the Quick Access section of the Navigation Pane.

In this five part video tutorial, you'll learn all about the File Explorer program interface, how to move files, copy files, rename files, duplicate files, find missing files, manage libraries, and so much more.

How to Use Windows File Explorer

This video is part of the video series I am making to help my Mom, and anyone else who may be struggling with technology. The series is called the Mom And Dad Tech Nology Tutorials (MAD TNT). Don't get MAD and blow up! Just watch these videos or share them with someone you love who needs help managing files on their computer.

Watch the entire Mom And Dad Tech Nology Tutorial series:

[junewyatt]

this has been an excellent series. I'm 86 years old and have been using computers for more than 40 years and am considered to be highly competent, but I've recently had issues with file explorer that have frustrated me beyond belief. One was losing documents. I don't seem to have the ribbon at the top of the screen and things like cut and paste are shown in icons not words. I'm going back to review the se tutorials. I still have a lot to learn. THANK YOU FOR THIS EXCELLENT SERIES.

[seektruth]

This MAD - TNT Series is amazing. Is there any chance you could continue it? I am in the exact same situation as yourself. Please continue! ❤

Ideas for content:
Ethernet cables - How to insert and remove, what not to do.
How to identify Ads vs Regular content on a web page.
How to "hover" to identify different things without clicking.
Why relying on "recent" items, files, sites, history is not recommended.
That company is not reading those email you are replying to...
How to tap the screen properly on a cell phone.
How to identify and pay attention to the mic location on a phone, and not cover it.
Text vs Voicemail vs Email - messages.

I have more. You are fantastic. Please keep it rolling!

[tomalcolm]

This is a great series. I watched all 5+ videos. I already knew 95% but the extra 5% will come in very handy.

[stephengustafson]

I'm a bit late to the party but wanted you to know what a great help you have been in creating some comfort while working in File Explorer. I am "old school" myself but in Windows 10 and the addition of One Drive, Libraries, Folders and all the other "locations" for files it became quite the maze! Your tutorial has helped to clarify all of that. And you are an excellent teacher!

[barryvideoyt]

Excellent series! This is the best I have viewed on the File Manager. Thank you.

[blurrylights]

Now that I am working from home and no longer have an administrative assistant this has been invaluable for me. Thank you!

[johndodd]

Brilliant Videos professionally explained . Easy to understand by 80yr. old .THANK YOU..

[Brainzb]

I really enjoyed all your videos about File Explorer. They taught me a lot. Please, could you do videos on the following:
1)Shared drives/Folders esp. how to access them, their paths, etc
2) Internet: how the internet works / Servers/Cloud computing
3) URL: nature of URL formats and any other related topics.

These topics seem easy but can be very confusing to a lot of people. I really appreciate your work. Thank you

[kathleenward]

excellent - so clear and easy to follow - thank you :)

[Stampajoey]

Excellent tutorials. I was wondering if you are still posting videos on FB or taking questions from some of your past videos. Thanks

[charlesross]

Very helpful, I'm a slow learner will continue to practice

[zevsnajder]

gr8 thnks. im a beginer with a big project and this really helpd me

[sidneyrasmussen]

I wish I'd found your help when I first got Windows 10. WOW!! Now, I need this help for Windows 11. I found some of your great ideas NOT available on Windows 11. Why were they discarded? EEK! Thanks for helping this 85-year-old MOM and Grandma!!!!

[jyotikarn]

Thanku so much. The content had everything i needed.
😊🙏🙏

[penpaltwo]

For some reason, I've ended up with 2 "libraries". I have the C and D drives and libraries under This PC. I have one that is my name. And there's another one that is an abbreviation of my name. Is it okay to move all the folders and files from the one I don't want to the one I want to use? Including program files? Thank you

[anntaylor]

I was wondering if you can explain why LOCATION information is empty for picture type file? When I go to picture properties ->details I can clearly see the GPS coordinates where the picture was taken, but for some reason, those GPS coordinates are not converted to a location. Is any way I can sort my pictures by location? Thank you in advance

[kjvbible]

How do you paste information into a newly created folder?