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How do I open a recently closed file or folder using the File Explorer taskbar icon in Windows?

Published in Windows Files 2 mins read

To quickly reopen a file or folder you recently closed in Windows, you can use the jump list feature accessible from the File Explorer icon on your taskbar.

Accessing Recent Files and Folders

Windows keeps track of your recent activity to help you quickly return to files and locations you were previously working with. One of the easiest ways to access these is directly from the taskbar icon for File Explorer.

Steps to Reopen Recent Items

Follow these simple steps to find and open recently accessed files or folders:

  1. Locate the File Explorer Icon: Find the File Explorer icon on your Windows taskbar. It typically looks like a folder.
  2. Right-Click the Icon: Right-click on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar. This action opens a context menu, also known as a jump list.
  3. Select from Recent Items: From the context menu that appears, select a recently closed folder or window under 'Frequent folders' or 'Recent files' to reopen it.

This convenient feature keeps track of your recent activity in File Explorer, making it easy to pick up where you left off. Whether it was a specific document you were editing or a folder you were browsing, this method offers a rapid way to jump back.

Method Action Benefit
File Explorer Taskbar Icon Right-click & Select Quick access to recent items

Utilizing this jump list is a time-saving technique compared to navigating through File Explorer from scratch each time you need to access a recently used item.

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