File Explorer Keyboard Shortcut Actions Performed by the Keyboard ShortcutCtrl + WClose the active window. The active window is the window you are currently viewingCtrl + NOpen a new window. If you use this shortcut with a folder open, another window of the folder will open. However, if you press the shortcut with a file active – say notepad – a new file will openCtrl + FSelect the File Explorer search box. This shortcut selects the search box for the open application. For example, if you are on a webpage when you press this shortcut, it opens a search box on the top right of the webpage. Ctrl + ESimilar to Ctrl + F – select the search box. Alt + DSelect the address bar. If you are on File Explorer, it selects the address bar of File Explorer. However, if you are on a webpage, it selects the address bar of the webpage. Ctrl + mouse scroll wheelChange the size and appearance of file and folder icons. Ctrl + Shift + EDisplay all folders above the selected folder. Ctrl + Shift + NThis keyboard shortcut creates a new folder. This can be very helpful. Instead of going through 3 steps to create a new folder, you can do it in a single step!Alt + Left arrowUsed to view the previous folder.Alt + Up arrowView the folder that the current folder was in.Alt + Right arrowView the next folder.Alt + EnterOpen the Properties dialog box for the selected item. This works for Folders or Files. Alt + PThis shortcut displays the preview panel on the right pane of File Explorer. Note that some items may not have a preview. F11 keyMaximize or minimize the open window. Home keyDisplay the top of the open window.End keyDisplay the bottom of the open window.Left arrow keyIf the current selection is expanded, it collapses it or selects the folder the current folder is in. Right arrow keyIf the current selection is collapsed, it expands it, or it selects the first subfolder. Backspace keyView the previous folder., File Explorer in Windows 11 helps you get the files you need quickly and easily. To check it out in Windows 11, select it on the taskbar or the Start menu, or press the Windows logo key + E on your keyboard. How to use File Explorer: To pin a folder to Quick access, right-click (or press and hold) the folder and select Pin to Quick access., Need help accessing some of the features in Windows 11 File Explorer? This comprehensive guide offers all the help you need regarding File Explorer in Windows 11..