The run commands from file explorer Windows 11 is a little-known feature among the general public, but it is useful because it makes it easy to open applications and internal system tools in a very simple and fast way.

The file explorer will soon be redesigned to add the long-awaited component, cards. It’s a standard feature in Mac Finder, Linux managers, and third-party development, such as the fantastic ‘Files’, but which, inexplicably, doesn’t yet have a native Windows administrator.

It is expected to be available in Windows 11 22H2, allowing users to multitask and move between different Windows Explorer directories without having to activate duplicate instances of the same application. It will also include a new homepage and quick access area at the top of the screen, as well as the ability to pin individual files (favorites) and contextual suggestions based on Context IQ, which make it easier to find files.

Commands from Windows 11 File Explorer

The browser allows you to perform additional functions beyond the typical file and folder management functions. One of them is little known to the general public, but interesting in that it offers an opportunity execute commands from the same administrator.

Executing commands is not as powerful as with a full Windows cmd console and does not have its own capabilities, but it allows e.g. Quickly open applications in a very simple way as we remind you in this simple tutorial that can be used by any user.

• Open File Explorer using the desktop icon or the shortcut “Windows + E”.

• Click on the address bar. For example, type “Calc” and press Enter. You will see how the calculator opens:

The list of supported commands is long and can be used to run almost all of them native applications included in Windows 11 as well as system tools such as Control Panel, Disk Administrator, Task Manager, the same Windows console (CMD or Powershell) or the Windows Registry.

It also gives you quick access to your default File Explorer folders, although this feature is less useful when you’re already in the same browser.

some of the commands which can be done by the same method:

• documents – open the documents folder.
• download – open the download folder.
• favourite – open the favorites folder.
• pictures – open the pictures folder.
• videos – open the video folder.
• calc – open the calculator.
• cleanmgr – open the disc cleaner.
• compmgmt.msc either compmgmtlauncher – opens the team manager.
• management – opens the control panel.
• cmd – open cmd, windows console
• devmgmt.msc – open device manager
• dxdiag – Opens the DirectX Diagnostic Tool.
• researcher – start a new IE instance
• iexplore – ropes in the IE browser.
• msinfo32 – opens the system information tool.
• mstscs – open remote desktop connection.
• notebook – open notebook
• paint – open the drawing application.
• powershell – Launches the advanced Windows PowerShell console.
• regedit – opens the registry editor.
• taskmgr – open the task manager.
• write – open a word processor.

It’s just a sample of the commands that can be used in this interesting feature, much less known than those related to files and folders, but which allows us to opening Application from the same file explorer.