Navigating Previous Files Quickly on Your Laptop: Using Shortcut Keys

Efficiency is key when working on a laptop or desktop computer. One task that can significantly enhance your workflow is quickly accessing previously opened files. This guide will walk you through how to open a previous file using shortcut keys, and it will cover creating a shortcut to this file for future use. By the end of this article, you'll be able to streamline your work process and save time.

Understanding Recent Files in File Explorer

Windows and macOS both offer a feature that keeps track of the files you have recently opened. This feature is designed to help users find and access the files they need quickly without having to navigate through the file system. Here, we'll focus on how to use this feature on a Windows-based laptop. If you're using a Mac, the steps will be very similar, but with some minor differences.

Steps to Access Recent Files in File Explorer on Windows:

Press the Windows key E to open File Explorer. In the left-hand navigation pane, click on the Recently Opened section. This section will display a list of your most recently accessed files. Locate the file you wish to open and click on it. The file will open in the appropriate application.

This is a quick and easy way to find and open frequently used files. However, what if you want to frequently access a file that isn't in the recent list, or you want to save time by making a shortcut?

Creating a Shortcut to a Previous File

Creating a shortcut to a file can be done in a few simple steps. A shortcut is a file that points to the location of another file. By making a shortcut, you can save time and effort in accessing the original file.

Steps to Create a Shortcut to a File:

Open File Explorer and navigate to the file you want to create a shortcut for. Right-click on the file and select Create Shortcut. Move the shortcut to a location where it can be accessed quickly, such as your Desktop or a dedicated folder.

Here are the detailed steps to create a shortcut in Windows:

Press the Windows key E to open File Explorer. Navigate to the file you want to create a shortcut for. Right-click on the file and select Create Shortcut. The shortcut will be created in the same folder as the original file. Rename it if necessary and then move it to a more convenient location. Click on the shortcut to open the original file.

By creating a shortcut, you eliminate the need to navigate through the file system every time you need to access the file. This can be particularly useful if the file is located in a deeply nested folder structure. Additionally, you can assign a shortcut key to the shortcut to open it even faster.

Assigning a Shortcut Key to a File Shortcut

Windows provides a feature that allows you to assign a shortcut key to a file shortcut, making it even easier to access frequently used files. Here's how you can do it:

Steps to Assign a Shortcut Key:

Press the Windows key E to open File Explorer. Navigate to the shortcut for the file you want to assign a shortcut key to. Right-click on the shortcut and select Properties. Go to the Shortcut tab. In the Keyboard shortcut field, press the key combination you want to use. For example, if you want to use Ctrl Shift 1, press these keys together. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Now, you can open the file by pressing the assigned shortcut key combination. This can save you precious seconds in your workflow and help you work more efficiently.

Conclusion

Opening previous files quickly is a crucial aspect of efficient work on your laptop. Using the recent files feature, creating file shortcuts, and assigning them shortcut keys can make your productivity skyrocket. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can streamline your work process and save time. Remember, the more efficient your workflow, the more successful you can be.

Keywords: recent files, shortcut keys, file explorer