How to Open File Explorer as a Different User
In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon for multiple users to access a single computer. Each user may have their own set of files, folders, and preferences. However, there may be instances where you need to access another user’s files or run File Explorer with a different user’s credentials. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to open File Explorer as a different user on Windows.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
First, you need to open File Explorer. There are several ways to do this:
1. Press the Windows key + E to launch File Explorer directly.
2. Click on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar or in the Start menu.
3. Type “File Explorer” in the search box and press Enter.
Step 2: Access Another User’s Folder
Once File Explorer is open, you can access another user’s folder by following these steps:
1. In the left pane of File Explorer, click on “This PC” or “Computer.”
2. Navigate to the “Users” folder.
3. Click on the username of the user whose files you want to access.
Step 3: Open File Explorer as a Different User
If you want to open File Explorer with a different user’s credentials, follow these steps:
1. In the upper-right corner of File Explorer, click on the “View” tab.
2. In the “Show/Hide” group, click on “Options.”
3. In the “View Options” dialog box, go to the “Advanced settings” tab.
4. Scroll down and check the box next to “Open each folder in a separate window.”
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
Now, when you open a folder, it will open in a new window with the credentials of the user you selected.
Step 4: Run File Explorer as a Different User
To run File Explorer as a different user, you can use the Command Prompt or PowerShell. Here’s how:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
2. In the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
runas /user:username File Explorer
“`
Replace “username” with the username of the user you want to run File Explorer as.
By following these steps, you can easily open File Explorer as a different user on your Windows computer. This can be particularly useful when managing multiple user accounts or accessing another user’s files.
