
Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts

The following list contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Explorer windows or folders.

Summary: Keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Explorer windows or folders


Ctrl+N
Open a new window

Ctrl+W
Close the current window

Ctrl+Shift+N
Create a new folder

End
Display the bottom of the active window

Home
Display the top of the active window

F11
Maximize or minimize the active window

Ctrl+Period (.)
Rotate a picture clockwise

Ctrl+Comma (,)
Rotate a picture counter-clockwise

Num Lock+Asterisk (*) on numeric keypad
Display all subfolders under the selected folder

Num Lock+Plus Sign (+) on numeric keypad
Display the contents of the selected folder

Num Lock+Minus Sign (-) on numeric keypad
Collapse the selected folder

Left Arrow
Collapse the current selection (if it's expanded), or select the parent folder

Alt+Enter
Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item

Alt+P
Display the preview pane

Alt+Left Arrow
View the previous folder

Backspace
View the previous folder

Right Arrow
Display the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the first subfolder

Alt+Right Arrow
View the next folder

Alt+Up Arrow
View the parent folder

Ctrl+Shift+E
Display all folders above the selected folder

Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel
Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons

Alt+D
Select the address bar

Ctrl+E
Select the search box

Ctrl+F
Select the search box

