Connect ES File Explorer to PC - how it works

With the ES File Explorer for Android, you can not only connect your mobile device to the PC and access its folder. The tool also offers far more functions than that of a conventional file manager. In the following article, we will show you how to connect to a PC via WLAN.

Connect ES File Explorer to the PC using a LAN search

You can easily establish a connection between ES File Explorer on the Android device and the PC via the WLAN network used by both devices. You can download the ES File Explorer for Android free of charge. Here's how it works:

1. Open the ES File Explorer on the Android smartphone or tablet and open the side menu with another tap at the top left using the corresponding icon.
2. Select here under "Network"> "LAN".
3. In the following window you can now add a network manually or use the search button in the top bar. It is important that both devices are in the same IP address range.
4. Your Android device will then search the network for shared folders. This can sometimes take a moment.
5. If your preferred network appears in the list, tap on it.
6. To use it and get access to the PC, you now need the user name and password of your Windows PC. If folders are protected with a password, you also need this. You can then access the directories on your PC. Note that you can only call up file formats supported by Android in the app.
7. You will also find other data carriers in this way, such as external hard drives, which are connected to the PC. You can access them in the same way.

Connect the ES File Explorer manually to the PC

If you know the IP address of the Windows computer, you can save yourself the search and add the network manually. Alternatively, we can also tell you how to find out your own IP address in Windows 7.

1. Instead of using the search button, use the manual entry and select the round orange plus button in the bottom right corner of the LAN window.
2. Now enter the IP address of your Windows computer in the "Server" line. If necessary, add a slash to the desired folder as shown in the example.
3. Here, too, you have to enter the user name and password of the Windows computer to gain access. You also need the corresponding password for password-protected folders.
4. Finally, tap "OK".

The best file manager for Android

Tested with Windows 7, Google Nexus 5 with Android 6 and ES File Explorer version 4.0.2.3. The ES File Explorer also has many other functions. In the next practical tip, we will tell you how to access a NAS with your Android smartphone.