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Open File Explorer from the Command Line (explorer .)

Launch Explorer at the current directory or highlight a specific file using explorer.exe command-line switches.

WindowsFilescmdopenLow risk
Type explorer . to open the current folder, or explorer /select,"C:\path\file.txt" to open its folder with the file pre-selected.

01Command

Command
$ explorer .
explorer /select,"C:\Users\me\Downloads\file.zip"

02What it does

explorer.exe accepts a folder path to open that location, and the /select, switch opens the parent folder with the named file already highlighted — handy right after a download or build. In PowerShell you can also use Invoke-Item . (ii .) for the same effect. Note that explorer always returns exit code 1 even on success, which matters only if you're checking $? in scripts.

03Risk

RiskLow risk

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • Explorer.exe command-line options - SS64
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents explorer . to open the current folder and explorer /select,path to open the parent folder with a file selected.

Last verified: 2026-09-18 · Category: Files & Folders

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