How to Use the Command 'explorer' (with examples)

The ’explorer’ command is an essential tool in the Microsoft Windows operating system. It launches Windows File Explorer, a user-friendly interface for browsing, organizing, and managing files and directories on your computer. File Explorer provides visualization and ease of access to files and folders, making file management straightforward without needing intricate command-line skills.

Use Case 1: Open Windows Explorer

Code:

explorer

Motivation:
Using the ’explorer’ command without specifying a directory is a quick and efficient way to open Windows File Explorer. This use case is most beneficial in scenarios where a user needs to start a general file browsing session in their default file location, typically the ‘This PC’ view, where all the drives are listed. This command is especially useful if you want to access multiple locations in a new File Explorer window.

Explanation:
In this command, ’explorer’ is called without additional parameters or arguments. As a result, it launches a new instance of Windows File Explorer in the default view or the “This PC” section, which serves as a gateway to accessing files, folders, and local or networked drives.

Example Output:
Upon executing this command, a new window appears on your screen displaying Windows File Explorer at its main starting point, commonly showing devices and drives on the PC. This view allows the user to navigate to any location on the system.

Use Case 2: Open Windows Explorer in the Current Directory

Code:

explorer .

Motivation:
In many scenarios, users are working within a specific directory on the command line and need to perform operations graphically in that same directory. Using the ’explorer .’ command allows users to maintain their current context when switching from a command-line interface to the graphical interface of File Explorer. This capability is particularly helpful for verifying file transfers, opening files, or continuing a work session in the File Explorer with digitized clarity.

Explanation:
In this command, ’explorer’ is followed by the dot operator ‘.’. The dot is a convention in many command-line environments representing the current working directory. Therefore, when appended to ’explorer’, it signals the command to open Windows File Explorer starting at the present directory where the command is executed.

Example Output:
Executing this command pops up a Windows File Explorer window situated at the current directory location. This directory’s files and folders are instantly accessible for the user’s operations.

Use Case 3: Open Windows Explorer in a Specific Directory

Code:

explorer path\to\directory

Motivation:
There are instances where users have specific folders they frequently access or manage, and inputting a direct path into the ’explorer’ command efficiently navigates to the intended location. This is useful for users who work with multiple projects or data sets, as it accelerates the transition from the command line to the target directory in Windows Explorer, facilitating ready-to-go access.

Explanation:
Here, the command ’explorer’ followed by ‘path\to\directory’ launches Windows File Explorer directly in the specified path. ‘path\to\directory’ is a placeholder for the actual path to the folder where you want File Explorer to open. This argument denotes the precise location in the file system structure that the user wishes to engage with, bypassing the need to navigate step-by-step manually.

Example Output:
After running this command with an actual path, Windows File Explorer opens directly at the specified directory. The user is presented with contents specific to that folder, allowing for immediate file manipulation or viewing.

Conclusion:

These examples illustrate how the ’explorer’ command can be leveraged for various operational needs within Windows. Whether requiring access to the File Explorer’s starting page, current directory context, or a precise folder, users can accomplish tasks with speed and minimal effort. The command’s versatility through different argument usages greatly enriches the user experience, streamlining file management workflows.