Where is File Explorer on a Mac? Finder, explained for Windows users

The Mac's File Explorer is Finder, the face first in the Dock. How to open it, see the folder path, cut and paste, and use the keys you know from Windows.

Guide · Updated 22 October 2026

What is File Explorer called on a Mac?

Finder. It is the blue and white face at the left end of the Dock, and it is always running. Click it, or click the desktop and press ⌘ N, for a new Finder window.

Where are This PC and the drives?

In the sidebar on the left of a Finder window. Your home folder, Desktop, Documents, Downloads and Applications are listed there, and external drives appear under Locations. There are no drive letters; each disk has a name.

Where is the address bar?

Finder hides it by default. Two ways to get it back:

  • View, Show Path Bar (⌥ ⌘ P) shows the folder path along the bottom. Double click any folder in it to go there.
  • Go, Go to Folder (⌘ ⇧ G) opens a box where you can type or paste a path, like ~/Downloads.

Which Explorer keys work in Finder?

On WindowsIn Finder
Windows E, new Explorer window⌘ N in Finder
F2, renameReturn
Delete⌘ ⌫ moves to the Trash
Backspace, go up⌘ ↑
Enter, open⌘ ↓ or double click
Ctrl X then Ctrl V, move⌘ C, then ⌥ ⌘ V
Search⌘ F, or ⌥ ⌘ Space for a search window

How do I preview a file without opening it?

Select it and press Space. Quick Look shows photos, PDFs, documents and videos at once. Press Space again to close it.

Next: how to cut and paste files on a Mac, Finder keyboard shortcuts and open folders in tabs.

Checked on 22 October 2026 on a MacBook Air (M1) running macOS 27.0.1: Show Path Bar, Show Status Bar and Go to Folder were read from Finder's own menus.

Questions

What is the Mac equivalent of File Explorer?

Finder, the first icon in the Dock.

How do I see the file path in Finder?

Choose View, Show Path Bar, or press Option Command P.

How do I open a new Finder window?

Click Finder in the Dock or the desktop, then press Command N.

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