How to Open File Location on Windows 11: 3 Quick Ways

Using the File Explorer is another proven way to open a file location

Windows 11 » How To

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by Madhuparna Roy 

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Key notes

  • Do you need to open an important file, but do not remember its location? Open a file location is a Windows feature that helps you navigate the exact path of the app/file. 
  • However, many users believe that searching for a file location was much easier on Windows 10 than on Windows 11. They are numerous threads on different forums discussing the same issue.
  • The good news is, that Windows 11 has slowly introduced different ways to open a file location, and in this post, we will explain the same. 
file location

While you can open a file location with a simple right click, the introduction of new features in the Windows 11 has made things a bit complicated.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to find a file location, and we have created a quick list for your convenience.

How do I open a file location on Windows 11?

  1. Go to Start and type the name of the app/file in the Windows search bar.
  2. As the app/file name appears under the Best match section, right-click on it and select Open file location. open file location for app
  3. If you want to navigate to the file location for an app, on the right side of the search results, you should see the Open file location option. app - right side - open file location
  4. For a file, on the right side of the results, you should Location. Click on the path next to it and it should take you to the location of the file. click on location path for file
  5. You can also select the Open file location option below. open file location on right for file

If you are wondering how to open file location of an app Windows 11, using the Windows search bar is one of the fastest ways for sure.

2. Open file location through File Explorer

  1. Press the Win + E keys together to open File Explorer.
  2. Here, click on This PC shortcut on the left, and search for the app/file name in the search box on the upper right.
  3. As it displays the results, right-click on the app/file and select Open file location. open app file location through file explorer
  4. You may also find the app/file in the Quick access menu. Simply right-click on the app/file and select Open file location. open file location from quick access

For those of you who want to know how to find file path in Windows 11, using File Explorer can help you with exactly that.

But, if File Explorer is freezing or not responding, you can follow the solutions in our comprehensive guide here to fix the issue.

3. Use Command Prompt

  1. To open the Run dialog, press the Win + R shortcut keys. Type cmd and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys together to launch the elevated Command prompt. run cmd command
  2. Run the below command in the Command Prompt (Admin) window and hit Enter: dir “*name of your file*” /srun command in command prompt to open file location
  3. You can now see the file location in the results.

You can also open a folder in the elevated Command Prompt using the expert tips mentioned in this guide.

4. Via Task Manager

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select Task Manager. open task manager
  2. In the Task Manager window, under the Processes tab, go to the Background processes section.
  3. Here, look for the app, right-click on it and select Open file location. open file location through task manager

You can also refer to our expert guide on how to open task Manager in Windows 11 to execute the above method.

5. Use the Start menu to open file location

  1. Click on the Start button, and go to the Recommended section. start menu recommended section
  2. Here, you will see the shortcuts for your files.
  3. Right-click on the desired file and select Open file location. open file location through start menu recommended section

If you are looking for a shortcut to open file location, the Windows 11 Start menu Recommended section is definitely the one.

What can I do if Windows 11 open file location is missing?

However, if the open file location option is missing on your Windows 11, it could be due to a recently installed software interfering with the function. Here’s how to fix the issue.

  1. Press the Win + I keys to launch Windows Settings. Here, click on Apps on the left and then click on Apps & features on the right. Click on Apps & features in App settings
  2. On the next screen, go to the right, and under the App list, look for the problematic app. Click on the three dots next to it, and select Uninstall.
  3. You can also Sort by Installation date, look for all the recently installed apps and choose to uninstall them. sort apps by installation date
  4. Press Uninstall again in the confirmation prompt. press uninstall again

Once done, you can check if you can now find the open file location option in the right-click menu.

For more solutions, you can refer to our detailed guide on how to fix the open file location option missing problem in Windows 11.

Are you still wondering how to find file location on Windows 11? You can also use the Everything search tool that pulls up the file path for you, and you can then right-click on it to navigate to its location.

If you have any other queries related to the file or folder location, do let us know in the comments section below.

More about the topics: file opener, files, Windows 11

Madhuparna Roy

Madhuparna Roy Shield

A diploma holder in computers and with a keen interest in technology, Madhuparna is passionate about writing How-to guides and helping people solve the most intricate Windows issues. It all started with the evolution of mobile phones and Google, and that has now settled with Windows.