After Anniversary Update in Windows 10, File Explorer and Settings icons are located in the Start menu’s left pane. These shortcuts are convenient for users to launch File Explorer or Quick Access using the mouse instead of the Windows + E keyboard shortcut. Right-clicking on File Explorer Icon also allows you to view pinned and frequent folders.
If the File Explorer icon is missing from the Start menu of Windows 10, as you can see in the above image, follow the directions to restore the File Explorer Icon to Windows 10 Start menu.
How to restore or add the File Explorer icon to the Start menu in Windows 10?
1. Click on Start Menu, and from there, click on the Settings icon to open the Settings app.
2. Once the Settings app launched, click on Personalization (Background, lock screen, colors).
3. From the left pane, click on Start.
4. Scroll down and click the link labeled “Choose which folders appear on Start.”
5. Turn on the option labeled as File Explorer to see the File Explorer icon on the Start menu’s left side.
File Explorer Icon will immediately start showing on the Start menu.
If you cannot see the File Explorer icon in the Start menu, then restart the PC. You can also use the Start Menu Repair / Troubleshooter Tool for Windows 10 from the Microsoft server.