Open File Explorer: Windows vs Mac
On Windows, press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer instantly. macOS has no File Explorer — its file manager is Finder, which is always open; press Cmd+N while in Finder to open a new window, or Option+Cmd+Space to open Finder search.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open the file manager | ⌘+N (in Finder) · ⌥⌘Space (search) | ⊞+E | |
| Open a new window | ⌘+N | Ctrl+N | |
| Go to the desktop / home | ⇧⌘D (Desktop) | ⊞+E then click This PC |
The direct answer
On Windows, ⊞ Win + E opens File Explorer from anywhere. It is one of the few shortcuts that works system-wide with no app focused.
There is no "File Explorer" on a Mac
macOS ships Finder instead, and Finder is always running (its face is in the Dock). To get a window: click the Finder icon, or with Finder focused press ⌘ + N for a new window. To search files anywhere, ⌥ + ⌘ + Space opens a Finder search window.
Why Win+E has no exact twin
Windows can have File Explorer fully closed; macOS never closes Finder, so Apple never needed a global "open the file manager" key. The practical equivalent is clicking Finder in the Dock or using Spotlight (⌘+Space) to jump straight to a folder.
FAQ
What is the shortcut to open File Explorer?
Press the Windows key + E (⊞+E) on Windows. It opens File Explorer from anywhere, even with no window focused.
What is the Mac equivalent of Win+E?
Mac has no File Explorer. Open a Finder window with ⌘+N while Finder is focused, or press ⌥⌘Space for Finder search. Finder is always running on macOS.
How do I open a new File Explorer window?
Press Ctrl+N inside File Explorer on Windows, or ⌘+N inside Finder on a Mac.