Share this article
Latest news
With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low
Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app
Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities
Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount
Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier
Did you know that you can view files in Windows 11 without opening them? Here’s how
Use Windows File Explorer’s preview pane
2 min. read
Published onMay 15, 2024
published onMay 15, 2024
Share this article
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
When you are looking for a file but don’t remember the name and don’t want to waste your time opening several files to check the content, all you need is a file viewer.
File viewer software can help you view or check your files without opening them and can also help you view files if you don’t have compatible software to open them.
In Windows 10 and 11, File Explorer has a preview pane, saving you from loading a program to view a file. Furthermore, if you are a power user, you must have heard about PowerToys. Let’s discuss them both in detail.
Windows File Explorer Preview Pane
Windows File Explorer comes with a preview pane that acts as an inbuilt file viewer. To use it, pressWindows+Eto open File Explorer and go to the file you want to view. It could be a Word document, Excel spreadsheet, PDF, PowerPoint, or image.
If you can’t see the Preview pane in the File Explorer window, head toView, then from the drop-down, select thePreview pane.
Now click on the file you wish to view; it will appear in the preview pane. You can drag the separation bar left or right to increase or decrease the file’s width.
PowerToys Peek
If you want a utility with extra functionality to tune your Windows to your liking but don’t prefer third-party apps,PowerToys by Microsoftis just the tool for you. You can download this free tool from theMicrosoft Store.
If you have PowerToys already installed, launch it, and from the left side pane, selectPeek. Toggle on the switch forEnable Peekand make sure the activation shortcutCtrl+Spacebaris also enabled.
Once you’ve done this, go to File Explorer, choose a file, and press the activation shortcut. A new window will open, showing you the file’s content.
To conclude, you can choose to either rely on the native features of Windows or the versatility of PowerToys, a utility for power users; you can access and preview different file types within a few clicks without even loading a specific application, thereby saving valuable time and streamlining workflow.
Which file viewer application do you rely on? Share your favorite file viewer software with our readers in the comments section below.
More about the topics:windows 10,Windows 11
Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs.
Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That’s why she’s part of Windows Report’s Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She’s also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Srishti Sisodia
Windows Software Expert
She is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. Srishti is specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.
