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How to open local files in browsers [Easy way]
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Google Chrome includes a file navigator that enables you to browse folders’ contents on a hard drive.
That’s not exactly a file manager, but you can open supported image, PDF, and TXT document files within Chrome with its file navigator. There are also two other methods for opening files in Chrome.
There are numerous other browsers based on Chrome’s Chromium engine. Chromium browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Vivaldi have the same file navigator as Chrome.
So, users can also open local files in those browsers with the same Chrome methods.
How can I open local files with Chrome, Opera, Vivaldi, and Edge?
1. Use the Chromium browsers’ file navigator
2. Add the Local Explorer extension to your Chromiumbrowser
Note:Clicking folders within Index of C: directories will open them inFile Explorer. To stop File Explorer windows from opening, right-click Local Explorer’s icon on the URL toolbar and selectOptions.
Deselect theUse LocalExplorerto open folderscheckbox, clickSave Settings, and restart thebrowser.
3. Press the Ctrl + O hotkey
Pressing the Ctrl + O hotkey is an alternative method for opening files in Chromium browsers.
Pressing that hotkey will open an Open window. Select a supported file format to open in the browser from that window, and click the Open button.
4. Drag and drop supported file formats
Alternatively, you can open PNG, JPEG, PDF, and TXT files in Chromium browsers by dragging and dropping them into their windows.
Left-click a file inFile Explorerand hold the mouse button. Then drag that file into your browser’s window and release the left mouse button to open it there.
The Index of C: tab within Chromiumbrowsersis a handy file navigator for finding and opening supported file formats in their windows.
Adding LocalExplorerto Chrome, Vivaldi, Opera, andMS Edgewill also enable you to open unsupported file formats in default programs with those browsers.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
