4.5: File Management

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Ribbon

In Windows 10, the File Explorer features a new ribbon toolbar, like the one featured in the recent versions of Microsoft Office. This ribbon contains buttons and commands for the most common tasks.

Home Tab of Windows 10 Ribbon

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

The Ribbon features four tabs, each with different commands. Among the tasks, you can perform from the Home tab is (Tutorialspoint.com, n.d.) −

Copying and pasting files and folders from one place to another.
Moving files and folders to another location.
Copying files and folders to another location.
Deleting a file or folder permanently or sending it to the Recycle Bin.
Renaming a file or folder.
Creating a new folder or other new items.
Verifying or modifying the Properties of a document or folder.
Opening a file or folder.
Different options to select one or various files and folders.

Share Tab of the Windows 10 Ribbon

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

The Share ribbon gives you different options to share your files and folders. For example: (Tutorialspoint.com, n.d.)

E-mailing or messaging a file.
Compressing (“Zip”) a folder to take less space.
Printing or faxing documents.
Sharing with other users or networks.

View Tab of the Windows 10 Ribbon

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

The View ribbon allows you to change the way Windows displays your files and folders. Some of the changes you can make here are (Tutorialspoint.com, n.d.) −

Adding additional panes to show a preview or details of your files.
Changing the layout of the files and folders from icons to list, and others.
Sorting and arranging the contents of your folder.
Hiding selected folders or files.

File Tab of the Windows 10 Ribbon

Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

The File tab opens a menu with different options like

Opening a new File Explorer window.
Open command prompt (DOS) advanced users.
Providing more options to change or configure file explorer.
Frequent places that will link users to specific file folders that are often used.

Windows File Explorer

File Explorer is an application built into Windows 10 to help the user find, browse, and select folders and files. The main way to access the File Explorer is by clicking the folder icon in the Taskbar. After clicking the icon, the File Explorer window will open.

The initial File Explorer window is comprised of the File Explorer Ribbon, the Navigation Pane, Frequent Folders, and Recent Files.

Organize your files

A common method to organize your files is to place them in folders, which can contain files and other folders. Folders can be stored on multiple locations on your PC. The specific location or address allows your computer to keep track of where each file is located. You may also create a Windows File Explorer window for each folder you are working in. Files and Folders may be moved between folders by clicking on the file/folder and dragging the file/folder to the new location.

Cut, Copy, and Paste

One of the most common operations for users is cut, copy, or pasting files & folders. Pasting a file inserts the new file into the new location. Selecting “Cut” to a file will remove it from its current location and paste the file to its new location. The “Copy” command creates a replica of an original file and pastes the file in the selected location. To copy a file, select the file you want to copy and click Copy under the Home tab. In addition, you can copy or move a file without leaving your current location. Under the Home tab within the Organize group, click ‘Copy to’ or ‘Move to’ button, and choose the location if it’s listed, or click the Choose Location button and select the location.

Check for Understanding

Demonstrate the creation of a new folder. Place a folder in that folder. Create another folder in that folder. Rename the Original Folder.
Perform the following: create a folder in your “Documents” folder. Drag the new folder into the “Downloads Folder”
Cut a newly created folder in the “Downloads folder” and paste it into the “Pictures” folder.