Files

File Explorer offers point-and-click access to the Windows 11 file system and deep integration with OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service.

{#fileexplorer}
Defaults
When you buy a new PC or reset an existing PC, Windows 11 configures the file system like so:

NTFS (New Technology File System) is the default file system format because it offers integrated security, encryption, and data protection capabilities combined with excellent reliability and performance.
File Explorer is the default file management app.
The Windows 11 Desktop is a unique representation of the Desktop folder associated with your user account.
The OneDrive in-box app is used to configure the cloud storage associated with your Microsoft account (MSA) or Microsoft Work or School account (MWSA).
If you sign in to Windows 11 with an MSA or MWSA, you sign in to OneDrive automatically as well.
If you sign in to Windows 11 with an MSA or MWSA, File Explorer displays the contents of your OneDrive-based files and enables Folder backup for your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders if you agree to it during the Windows Setup Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).

Customize
You configure File Explorer in the app's Folder Options dialog as described later in this chapter.

You configure OneDrive using the settings interface in the OneDrive app as described later in this chapter.
File Explorer
File Explorer is the Windows 11 file management app, and though it looks and works much like its predecessors in earlier Windows versions, it's been modernized with a tabbed user interface, improved customization, and more.
Defaults
There are shortcuts to File Explorer in the Pinned area in Start and on the Taskbar, and you can launch the app from those locations or using Windows Search.
Keyboard shortcut: You can also launch File Explorer by typing Windows key + E.
File Explorer displays a single tab open to the Home page by default. Key default features include:

A tabbed user interface.
"Back", "Forward", "Up", and "Refresh" buttons, an address bar displaying a simplified view of the file system path, and a search box.
A command bar with file-related command buttons and a context menu, accessed with a right-click, both offering access to similar file-related commands.
A navigation bar with Home, OneDrive, Gallery, customizable Quick access folders, and This PC and Network items for navigating to specific locations in the file system.
The Home view is comprised of Quick access, Recent, Favorites, and Shared groups so you can quickly connect with frequently-accessed folders and files.

Home
The Windows 11 File Explorer displays its Home page by default. This page is somewhat unique in File Explorer in that it doesn't correspond to a file system location but instead presents a simpler and potentially useful selection of frequently accessed folders and files.

The Home page displays the following sections by default:

Quick access...