File Explorer Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

How (and why) to force Windows 11 to show file extensions in File Explorer

Posted on January 15, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

For whatever reason, the folks at Microsoft must have decided it’s a good idea to hide file extensions when using the File Explorer dialog in Windows 11.

I really don’t understand the thinking behind keeping file extensions hidden since they’re so useful for quickly determining a file’s type when viewing its filename.

Seeing a file’s extension can provide an important clue about which app you’ll need to use in order to open it, and there are other reasons as well. Here’s a great example (and it’s an important one). [Read more…]

How to make selecting multiple files in ‘File Explorer’ a lot easier

Posted on May 7, 2025

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Selecting multiple files in File Explorer can be one of the most aggravating tasks one can perform in Microsoft Windows.

You hold down the Ctrl key and start clicking on filenames, only to find yourself accidentally creating a ton of duplicate files because of an errant click and drag sequence.

And the task is even more difficult if your hands are shaky or you have difficulty controlling the mouse pointer. [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I make File Explorer default to ‘This PC’?

Posted on April 26, 2025

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Question from Keith: Hi, Rick. I have a Windows desktop computer and I have a question about it.

When I open File Explorer it never shows ‘This PC’ by default so I always have to manually switch to it.

Is there any way to make File Explorer automatically open with “This PC” displayed without having to manually click the link to show it? [Read more…]

This is how I prefer to open ‘File Explorer’

Posted on April 19, 2024

The Windows Desktop in every version of Microsoft Windows since Windows 95 has included a “My Computer” icon which opened the handy “Windows Explorer” window when you clicked on it.

All recent versions of Windows till have the “My Computer” icon, but it’s now called “This PC”. And “Windows Explorer” is now called “File Explorer”.

But even though their names have changed, these features still work in much the same way they always have, and they are still two of the most-used components of Windows. [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I remove those annoying check boxes from File Explorer?

Posted on March 12, 2022

Question from Calvin: I just bought a new computer and every time I select some files in File Explorer it places those annoying check boxes beside the files I selected.

I don’t need those check boxes since the files I select are highlighted anyway.

My old computer didn’t have those check boxes. I’m hoping you can tell me how to remove them from the new one? [Read more…]