We usually have to double click on the file, be it text or any other document, to open them through their associated apps. And it is quite possible that sometimes you don’t even know where the information or file you are looking for is located. But as always Windows got your back here too! Windows has File Explorer which makes it easy for you to access files without having to open them. File Explorer is one way to view files in Windows without opening them. Besides this, you can also use third-party apps and programmes including WinQuickLook, QuickLook, File Viewer Plus, and much more. Let us first take a look at how File Explorer can help you out with this. Also, know how to protect your Windows or macOS from hackers and viruses.
File Explorer preview pane
Microsoft has come up with the preview pane within the File Explorer. This option allows you to display the content file you wish you see in a preview area that is on the right side of the window.
How to enable the ‘preview pane’ option?
First, open File Explorer in windowsOnce done, look at the top-left of the screen you will see the ‘view’ option
When you click on ‘view’ you will see the ‘preview pane’ option there
Now, just click on the file you wish to preview such as an image, PDF, Excel sheet, word document or anything elseYou will see the file on the right side where you can even increase and decrease the size or width of the file
This was the option within your windows to view files without opening them. Now, let us look at some of the third-party apps and programmes to view files on windows
QuickLook
QuickLook is easily available at the Microsoft store. This app helps you to view files conveniently. When you install this free app, it gets integrated into File Explorer. With this app, you don’t have to open any preview pane or window manually. The QuickLook window pops up to display your file in a dedicated window. Using QuickLook, one can view a variety of file types, including Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, HTML files, PDFs, ZIP files, and much more. Along with this, you can even play video and audio files. You just have to install a free plug-in to use this programme with Microsoft Office files. You can find a free plug-in on the developer’s Available Plugins page. Take a look at the best photo viewer for windows 10.
WinQuickLook
The $1.99 WinQuickLook is similar to QuickLook in terms of working. Once you install the programme, it gets integrated into File Explorer. WinQuickLook supports a variety of file types including HTML files, PDFs, audio and video formats, and more.
How does this work?
You just have to select the file you wish to view in File Explorer, and press the spacebar. The file will appear in its window. From there you will have to click the ‘open with’ button only if you wish to open the file in its native app.
File Viewer Plus
File Viewer Plus comes in both free and paid versions. The free version of the programme displays files from Excel, and Microsoft, as well as from image files, HTML files, and PDFs. Along with this, you can also run audio and video type files. File Viewer Plus runs as a standalone window that you can position next to File Explorer if you want to.
How to view files?
You will either have to garb a file by browsing and selecting it from the programme or drag and drop each file you wish to view on top of the window. Another option is, to view files directly in File Explorer by using the ‘open with’ command and then choosing File Viewer Plus. However, to view additional PowerPoint presentations you will have to spend $29.99 to upgrade to the paid version. With this paid version, you can retain all the formatting changes you make and then save, print or even convert the file.
Cool File Viewer
Alike File Viewer Plus, Cool File Viewer also comes with the both free and paid version. The free version of the programme allows you to view only a limited number of file types and play certain video and audio files. But the paid version of this programme comes with more benefits which cost you $20. This permits you to view all sorts of file types. Also, you can view and extract compressed files in ZIP and RAR formats and view and edit Microsoft Office documents. Cool file viewer runs as a standalone window and doesn’t integrate itself into File Explorer.
All Video Player HD
If you are looking for a programme that can play all sorts of video and audio files, then All video player HD is the right pick for you. The app allows you to access videos and audio in a variety of ways.
How does it work?
You just have to drag and drop a file from File Explorer onto the All video player HD window. After doing so, it will immediately play your audio or video. You can even add your entire folder of video and audio files, and the app will automatically queue them to play them one after the other. The best part of the app is that it can also play videos and audio directly from the web through a URL. The programme comes with both free and paid versions. But the free version has ads and the paid version which cost you around $4.99 is ad-free. This was all about ‘how to view files in windows without opening them’. Feel free to tell us about other programmes you know to view files in windows without opening them.
