One of the fundamental elements of our Windows PC is the File Explorer. Through this essential utility, we can access all the folders and files that we have available on our computer, so it is normal for us to use it regularly. When opening it and accessing its configuration menu, we have different ways that we are going to review below.
When opening the Windows File Explorer configuration menu , we have different ways, some simpler and others a bit more complex, but it is never too much to know them all in case they might be needed at some point. There is a lot of variety, so we can always choose the one that best suits us or is more comfortable to use.
What we find in the Folder Options section of the Explorer
Windows File Explorer is a tool through which we have access to all the information that we have available on our computer, so we can have information about everything that we have been saving. Through its use we can see all the files and folders together with all the information about them that we must control.
Through the different options that we find in its configuration menu, we can perform different tasks, such as configuring the appearance of the browser or making the searches we perform through it faster. The folder options menu of the explorer has three tabs, such as General, View and Search
General section of the Options menu
From this section we can choose how we want to open the File Explorer. We can also configure how we want to examine the folders , since we can open them within the same window or in different windows. Another option is to configure the actions when clicking on an element, being able to choose whether to do a single click to open it or double click. In addition, we find actions related to Privacy, allowing us to choose if we want to show frequently used files and folders in Quick Access. Finally, we can erase your history and restore the default values.
View section, to perform actions related to the display
In this section we find different elements referring to how we want to visualize it . That is why we find the Folder View option, where we can apply a view with Detail or Icons to all folders of this type. It also has an Advanced Settings section, referring to both Files and folders and the Navigation Panel. We can mark different elements that we want to be shown or that we prefer to hide.
Search, to perform actions related to the search section
Finally, we find the Search section. Here we can perform some default actions related to the searches we do from the File Explorer. For example, we can decide if we do not want to use the index when searching for system files in file folders or what items to include in non-indexed locations. Finally, it will allow us to cancel all the variations that we make and restore to factory values.
Different ways to open File Explorer
In the event that we want to open the File Explorer, we will have several ways, so that we can choose the ones that interest us the most at all times and we are going to review them below.
Windows search box
Another of the simplest options is to use the search box that is located right next to the Start menu to launch the Explorer settings. Here we must write directly “File Explorer Options” and the result will appear and we select it to appear immediately.
Using the Control Panel
The Windows Control Panel also allows us to open the File Explorer settings. For this we write Control Panel in the search box of the Start menu. At the top right, in the “View by” section, we change it to “small icons”. With the new view, we can locate the “File Explorer Options” section, which will appear directly when we click on it.
Using the File menu in Explorer
Once we open the File Explorer, we can also access its Options menu in a simple way. To do this we just have to click on the “File” tab, in the upper left corner and click on the link “Change folder and search options” and it will open directly.
Through the Explorer View section
If we open the Explorer, together with the possibility of using the File tab, we can also open the Settings menu from the “View” tab. Once we click on it, we select the “Options” icon that we find in the upper right and finally “Change folder and search options” and it will open automatically.
Using the Run function
Through the Run function we can also launch Windows Explorer in a simple way. To do this, we activate the application using the keyboard shortcut “Windows + R”. Once pressed, the Execute window will appear, where we will simply have to write this command and press “OK”:
rundll32.exe shell32.dll,Options_RunDLL 0
Using command prompt
Although many users may not be aware of its existence or do not use it too much, the truth is that from the command prompt or Windows CMD it is possible to launch the File Explorer configuration section. To do this, simply type command prompt in the start menu search box. Once it appears in the results, click on Run as Administrator. Once the new window appears, we must write the following command:
control.exe folders
We press Enter and we will immediately see how the Windows Explorer Options menu opens on our desktop.
Using PowerShell
In the same way as with CMD we can also use PowerShell to directly open the configuration section of Windows Explorer. To do this, we type powershell in the search box of the Start menu. Once it appears, we must click on Run as Administrator. Once PowerShell is executed we write the following command:
control.exe folders
We press Enter and we will see how the File Explorer Configuration menu opens immediately.
