Explorer Keyboard shortcuts

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

Press this key
To do this

CTRL+N

Open a new window

END

Display the bottom of the active window

HOME

Display the top of the active window

F11

Maximize or minimize the active window

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 is expanded), or select the parent folder

ALT+LEFT ARROW

View the previous folder

RIGHT ARROW

Display the current selection (if it is collapsed), or select the first subfolder

ALT+RIGHT ARROW

View the next folder

CTRL+Mouse scroll wheel

Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons

ALT+D

Select the Address bar