Libraries are different from Folders in that they gather together files of the same type that are stored in several locations.

Double click one of the Library icons to see any folders or files that have already been saved. When you open File Explorer, you will see four Libraries – Documents, Music, Pictures and Videos. Double click a folder to see the files that are stored in it.įrom the Windows 8 Start screen, click the Desktop tile and you should see the yellow File Explorer icon in the taskbar. Place your mouse pointer over an icon to view some information about the file.įolders are used to organise files. On another computer, the file icons may be slightly different depending on the programs installed.

Video – this will open in Windows Media Player.

MP3 sound file – this will open in iTunes if you have set this as your default music player.

Pdf – this file will open in Adobe Reader.

Document – this icon shows that the file will open in Microsoft Word.

There are many different types of file but the most common ones are documents, photographs, music tracks and videos.Įach file will have a different icon, depending on which program is set to open it. The main difference is that, in Windows 8, there is a toolbar, known as the 'Ribbon', across the top of the window.Īnything that you save on a computer is called a 'File'.

This guide will show you how to save files in Windows 8 and, most importantly, how to find them again.Īlthough this guide is written for Windows 8, you will find that the Windows 7 File Explorer is very similar.

Explorer not working windows 8