How to Use the New Windows Explorer in Windows 11: Differences from Windows 10 and New Features

When you upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the first thing that will confuse you is the completely changed appearance of the Windows Explorer that you use every day.

Gone is the familiar "ribbon UI" that we've been familiar with for years, and the overly simple menu leaves you confused, wondering "Where did that button go?", or you can't help but sigh at the depth of the hierarchy in the new right-click menu...

In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the main changes, useful new features, and basic operations you should remember so that you can smoothly adapt to the new Explorer if you have migrated from Windows 10.

Let's start here! 3 major changes between Windows 10 and Windows 11 Explorer

The best way to get used to the new Explorer is to first understand what the big changes are. The three most important changes are:

1. The end of the "Ribbon UI" and the introduction of the "Command Bar"

The "Ribbon UI" that took up a large portion of the top of the screen in Windows 10 has been completely abolished in Windows 11. In its place has been replaced by a simple "Command Bar" with a row of icons.

Frequently used functions such as "Copy," "Paste," "Rename," and "Delete" are all collected as icons on this command bar. It may be confusing at first, but once you get used to it, the clean appearance makes it intuitive to use.

2. Addition of the long-awaited new feature "Tab"

This is the biggest and most welcome new feature in Windows 11. Until now, if you wanted to open multiple folders at the same time, you had to open many separate windows. However, Windows 11's Explorer now allows you to manage multiple folders in "tabs," just like web browsers like Google Chrome.

Ctrl + TYou can open new tabs with the mouse or move tabs by dragging and dropping, and easily navigate between multiple folders in much the same way as you would in a web browser.

3. Simplified (and deeper) "right-click menu"

In Windows 11, the menu that appears when you right-click (context menu) has been simplified. Only frequently used items are displayed at the beginning, and many of the items that were previously displayed are stored at the bottom under "Show more options" (which can be opened directly by holding down the Shift key and right-clicking).

This change is intended to make the appearance cleaner, but for users who have made heavy use of the right-click menu, it may be a bit disappointing as it adds an extra click.

All you need to know! Basic operations of the new Explorer

Now that you understand the changes, let's take a look at some basic operations that you will likely use frequently in your daily work.

File selection and basic operations

• File Selection: When you click on a file, a checkbox will appear on the left side. This is useful when selecting multiple files.
  • If you hover the mouse cursor over "View" in the "View" menu on the command bar, a submenu will appear, from which you can select whether to turn the checkboxes on or off.
• Copy and paste: Select the file and click the "Copy" icon on the command bar. Click the "Paste" icon in the destination folder.Ctrl+C, Ctrl+VThe shortcut keys will continue to work as before.
  • When you are not used to it, you may press the wrong button, so it is a good idea to create new unnecessary files and folders and check the operation of each button.

Switching display methods

Clicking "View" on the command bar allows you to switch between familiar display modes such as "Extra Large Icons," "Large Icons," and "Details." You can also set the display/hide of the "Preview Window" and "Details Window."

Select either "Preview Pane" or "Details Pane" from the menu and they will appear on the right side of Explorer.

To show or hide it, click the Details or Preview button on the right side of the File Explorer (below the search box).

Sorting and Grouping

Click "Sort" on the command bar to sort files by "Name," "Modified Date," "Type," etc. Furthermore, by using "Group," you can automatically group and display files by type and modified date.

Windows 11 already has folders grouped by default. By default, they are grouped by "Modified Date", so if there are a lot of files, the file you need may be displayed at the bottom and you may not be able to find it.

Home and Quick Access: Master your work base

If you're familiar with "Quick Access" in Windows 10, you'll notice that it's now called "Home" in Windows 11. But it's even more useful now.

What is the "Home" view?

This "Home" screen, which is the first screen you see when you open File Explorer, has three areas:

• ク イ ッ ク ア ク セ ス: This is where you can "pin" your frequently used folders so that they're always just one click away. This essentially takes over the role of "Quick Access" in Windows 10.
  • To add a folder to Quick Access, right-click on the folder you want to add and click "Pin to Quick Access."*You cannot register files here..
• Recently Used Items: A list of files you have recently opened will be automatically displayed.
• Favorites: A new area where you can register frequently used files. Registering important Excel files or documents you edit frequently will dramatically improve your work efficiency.
  • To add a file to your favorites, right-click on the file you want to add and click "Add to Favorites."*You cannot register folders here..
  • To remove a file from your favorites, go to Favorites on "Home" and right-click on the file you want to remove > click "Remove from Favorites." *Removing here does not mean deleting the file itself, but simply "removing it from your favorites."
• Total: Here you'll see a list of files that other people have shared with you through your Microsoft account, such as files on OneDrive.

"Quick Access"Also displayed in the navigation pane (left menu)You can trace these kinds of information by visualizing the changing inventory status and consider next steps before it is too late.

Folders added to Quick Access will also appear in the navigation pane (the menu on the left).

Even easier to use! Recommended customizations

With just a few simple changes to your settings, the new Explorer can be transformed into a more useful tool tailored to your needs.

Call up "Folder Options"

Click "..." (More) on the command bar and select "Options." This will open the familiar "Folder Options" that was previously in the Control Panel. Advanced settings such as "Show hidden files" can be accessed from here.

I really want to use the Windows 10 ribbon!

For those who really want to use the Windows 10 ribbon, we have created a tool to safely restore the ribbon UI. This tool does not replace system files, so it will not cause problems with Windows Updates like Explorer Patcher.

A tool to completely restore the old Windows Explorer (with ribbon)

I want to restore the right-click menu to the Win10 style.

If you just can't get used to the new right-click menu, you can always customize it to always display the old Windows 10-style menu by editing the registry.

Revert the new right-click menu in Windows 11 to the previous version

*You can easily restore the old right-click menu using this tool.

A tool to completely restore the old Windows Explorer (with ribbon)

Summary

The new Explorer in Windows 11 may seem confusing at first, but once you understand the changes and new features, you'll find file management just as comfortable, or even more comfortable, than in Windows 10.

• 3 major changes: First, understand the "command bar," "tab function," and "new right-click menu."
• The basic operation remains the same: Shortcut keys etc. will still work as before.
• Customization available: You can customize the "Folder Options" and right-click menu to suit your preferences.

Please read this article and try out the new Explorer. I'm sure it will quickly become a comfortable and reliable companion in your hand.