SKTS Logo

File Explorer Cheat Sheet

540.303.2410
We don't just fix computers — we educate.
Open File Explorer Instantly
Win + E
Hold the Windows key and press E — works from anywhere, anytime
Navigation Pane (Left Sidebar)
Folder Systems
HOME: Documents/
├─ Finances — taxes, receipts
├─ Medical — insurance, Rx
├─ Home — warranties, manuals
└─ Personal — letters, hobbies
OFFICE: Company/
├─ Clients — subfolder per client
├─ Finances — invoices, reports
├─ Templates — contracts, letters
└─ Projects — subfolder per project
File Naming Convention
Date-Category-Description
2026-03-15-Invoice-Johnson.pdf (business)
2026-02-Tax-Return-Federal.pdf (personal)
Final-v3-REAL-USE-THIS.docx
Keyboard Shortcuts
Win + E Open File Explorer
Ctrl + Shift + N Create new folder
Ctrl + C Copy selected files
Ctrl + X Cut (move) selected files
Ctrl + V Paste files
F2 Rename selected file/folder
Ctrl + F Jump to search bar
Alt + Up Arrow Go up one folder level
Delete Move to Recycle Bin
Shift + Delete Permanently delete (skip Recycle Bin)
Ctrl + A Select all files in folder
Ctrl + Z Undo last action
Pin to Quick Access
3 Easy Steps
1. Navigate to the folder you want
2. Right-click the folder
3. Click "Pin to Quick Access"
Downloads Cleanup Workflow
Open
Downloads
Sort by
Date
Delete Old
Junk
Move Keepers
to Folders
Empty
Recycle Bin
Quick Tips
Date First = Auto Sort

Files named YYYY-MM-DD sort newest-to-oldest automatically.

Pin 3-5 Folders

Pin your most-used folders to Quick Access. One click vs. five.

Monthly Cleanup

Clean Downloads monthly. If it's 30+ days old and untouched, delete it.

Empty Recycle Bin

Deleted files still use space until you empty the Recycle Bin.

Desktop ≠ Storage

Your Desktop is a workspace, not a filing cabinet. Keep it clean.

Search is Powerful

Ctrl+F then type part of a filename. File Explorer searches subfolders too.

Get monthly tech tips, security alerts, and exclusive offers delivered to your inbox.