Other than Quick Access, File Explorer (called Windows Explorer in earlier versions) has not received any major new features in Windows 10 largely because Microsoft seems to be interested in launching a modern version of the File Explorer app rather than updating the classic Windows Explorer.
Windows Explorer or File Explorer is the default file browser in Windows operating system. File Explorer in Windows 10/11 offers a total of eight views: Extra large icons, Large icons, Medium icons, Small icons, List, Details, Tiles, and Content.
In Windows 10/11 File Explorer, one can quickly switch to details or large icons view by clicking respective icons located at the bottom right of the File Explorer. To select between these eight views, you need to click the View tab and then choose one of the views.
Now, if you prefer using keyboard shortcuts over mouse or touchpad, you will be happy to know that you can use keyboard shortcuts to switch between File Explorer views in Windows 10/11. For instance, you can switch to the list view by simultaneously pressing Ctrl, Shift, and 5 keys (Ctrl + Shift + 5).
Change File Explorer view using keyboard shortcuts
Important: It’s important to note that these keyboard shortcuts to change the File Explorer view might not work in the newly introduced File Explorer app, at least for now.
The following are the keyboard shortcuts to change the File Explorer view in Windows 10/11.
NOTE: These keyboard shortcuts work in the new Windows 11 as well.
Ctrl + Shift + 1 – Extra-large icons
Ctrl + Shift + 2 – Large icons
Ctrl + Shift + 3 – Medium icons
Ctrl + Shift + 4 – Small icons
Ctrl + Shift + 5 – List view
Ctrl + Shift + 6 – Details view
Ctrl + Shift + 7 – Tiles
Ctrl + Shift + 8 – Content
Change the File Explorer view using Ctrl + mouse scroll
If you do not remember the keyboard shortcuts, you can hold down the Ctrl key and then scroll down/up the mouse wheel to switch between the views.
Did you know that there are over 10 new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10? Also, you can use Ctrl + F1 hotkey to minimize or expand the File Explorer ribbon.