Applies to Windows 7

Navigate using the address bar

The address bar appears at the top of every folder window and displays your current location as a series of links separated by arrows. Here's how the address bar for the Documents library might look:

Picture of the address barThe address bar

You can navigate to a different location by clicking a link or by typing the path of a location.

Watch this video to learn how to navigate using the address bar (1:03)
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To navigate by clicking a link

  • Do one of the following:

    • Click a link in the address bar to go directly to that location.

    • Click the arrow to the right of a link in the address bar. Then, click an item in the list to go to that location.

    Picture of the address bar displaying a list of locationsThe address bar displaying a list of locations

To navigate by typing a new path

  1. Click the icon on the left side of the address bar.

    The address bar changes to display the path to the current location.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • For most locations, type the complete folder name or path to the new location (such as C:\Users\Public), and then press Enter.

    • For common locations, type the name (such as Documents), and then press Enter.

      Here's a list of common locations where you can type directly into the address bar:

      • Computer

      • Contacts

      • Control Panel

      • Documents

      • Favorites

      • Games

      • Music

      • Pictures

      • Recycle Bin

      • Videos

Tips

Tips

  • You can click the Back button Picture of the Back button and the Forward button Picture of the Forward button to navigate through locations you've already visited, just as if you were browsing the Internet.

  • You can browse the Internet by typing a URL in the address bar, which replaces the open folder with your default web browser.