Open File Explorer to ‘This PC’ in Windows 11 & 10
For many users, opening File Explorer directly to This PC is more convenient. Instead of seeing frequently used folders or recent files first, you can immediately access your computer’s drives, folders, and connected devices. This is especially useful if you regularly work with Local Disk (C:), external hard drives, USB flash drives, or other storage locations.
Fortunately, Windows provides a simple setting that lets you change what File Explorer displays when you open it.
The process is slightly different depending on whether you are using Windows 11 or Windows 10, but both versions provide an easy way to make This PC the default starting location.
Open File Explorer to ‘This PC’ in Windows 11 & 10
To open File Explorer directly to This PC in Windows 11, open File Explorer, select the three dots on the command bar, choose Options, and select This PC from the Open File Explorer to dropdown menu. Click Apply and then OK. In Windows 10, open File Explorer, select the View tab, click Options, choose This PC from the Open File Explorer to dropdown menu, and click Apply followed by OK. The next time you open File Explorer, it will start at This PC.
Now, let’s explore the steps in detail.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
The first step is to launch File Explorer on your Windows computer. You do not need to change any system files or use advanced commands to make this adjustment.
The quickest method is to press Windows + E on your keyboard. The Windows key is usually located near the bottom-left corner of your keyboard, between the Ctrl and Alt keys. Press and hold the Windows key, then press E once.
Windows will immediately open File Explorer.
You can also open File Explorer by selecting its icon from the taskbar if it is pinned there. Another option is to open the Start menu, type File Explorer, and select it from the search results.
Once File Explorer opens, you may see Home in Windows 11 or Quick access in Windows 10, depending on your current settings. Do not worry if you see folders, recent files, or frequently accessed locations. The next steps will change the default starting location.
Step 2: Open File Explorer Options in Windows 11
If you are using Windows 11, look at the top of the File Explorer window. You will see a command bar containing several controls.
Select the three-dot menu near the right side of the command bar. A small menu will appear with additional File Explorer commands.
Select Options from this menu.
The Folder Options window will now open. This window contains several settings that control how File Explorer works, including privacy settings, folder browsing behavior, and the default location that appears when File Explorer starts.
If you are using Windows 10, the method for reaching this window is slightly different, which is covered in the next step.
Step 3: Open File Explorer Options in Windows 10
Windows 10 uses a different File Explorer interface, but the required setting is still available.
Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E. At the top of the window, select the View tab.
The File Explorer toolbar will change and display additional options. Look toward the right side of the toolbar and select Options.
A Folder Options window will appear.
At this point, Windows 10 and Windows 11 lead you to the same important settings window. You can continue with the next step regardless of which version of Windows you are using.
Step 4: Find the Open File Explorer To Setting
Inside the Folder Options window, make sure you are on the General tab. This tab is normally selected automatically when the window opens.
At the top of the window, you will find a setting called Open File Explorer to:.
This setting determines the location Windows displays when you launch File Explorer.
Depending on your Windows version and current configuration, you may see Home, Quick access, or another available option selected in the dropdown menu.
Select the dropdown menu next to Open File Explorer to:.
You should see an option for This PC. Select This PC from the list.
You do not need to change any of the other settings in this window. Changing unrelated File Explorer options can affect how folders behave, so it is best to leave them unchanged unless you specifically need to modify them.
Step 5: Apply the This PC Setting
After selecting This PC, look toward the bottom of the Folder Options window.
Select Apply.
This tells Windows to save the change you have just made. You should then select OK to close the Folder Options window.
The setting should now be active.
You may not notice anything immediately if File Explorer is already open. The important change becomes apparent the next time you launch a new File Explorer window.
Step 6: Close and Reopen File Explorer
Now close the File Explorer window that you currently have open.
You can select the X button in the upper-right corner of the window. Alternatively, you can press Alt + F4 while the File Explorer window is active.
After closing it, open File Explorer again using Windows + E.
Instead of opening to the previous Home or Quick access view, File Explorer should now open directly to This PC.
You should see the main folders and storage locations available on your computer. Depending on your system, this may include Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, your internal drives, and connected removable storage.
Step 7: Confirm That This PC Is the Default Location
Take a moment to confirm that the change worked correctly.
When File Explorer opens, look at the left navigation pane or the main area of the window. The This PC location should now be selected.
You can also check the address bar near the top of File Explorer. It should indicate that you are viewing This PC.
If File Explorer still opens to Home or Quick access, return to Folder Options and check the Open File Explorer to: setting again. Make sure This PC is selected before clicking Apply and OK.
Also make sure you are changing the setting in the correct Windows user account. File Explorer preferences can be associated with the current user profile, so another account on the same computer may have different settings.
Faqs
What is This PC in Windows?
This PC is a File Explorer location that provides access to your computer’s storage and commonly used folders. It can show internal drives, removable drives, network locations, and standard user folders such as Documents and Downloads.
Why does File Explorer open to Home instead of This PC?
Newer versions of Windows can open File Explorer to Home, which provides access to frequently used folders, recent files, and other locations. This is normal behavior. You can change the Open File Explorer to setting to This PC if you prefer to start with your drives and folders.
Can I make This PC the default location in Windows 11?
Yes. Open File Explorer, select the three-dot menu, choose Options, and then select This PC from the Open File Explorer to dropdown menu. Select Apply and then OK.
Can I make This PC the default location in Windows 10?
Yes. Open File Explorer, select the View tab, choose Options, and then select This PC from the Open File Explorer to dropdown menu. Select Apply and OK to save the change.
Will changing this setting delete my files?
No. Changing the Open File Explorer to setting does not delete, move, rename, or modify your files. It only changes the location File Explorer displays when you open it.
Can I switch back to Home or Quick access later?
Yes. You can return to Folder Options at any time and change the Open File Explorer to setting back to the available default location. The change only affects where File Explorer starts.
Does the Windows + E shortcut still work after changing the setting?
Yes. Windows + E continues to open File Explorer normally. After you change the default location to This PC, using this shortcut will open File Explorer at This PC.
Why is This PC useful?
This PC is particularly useful when you frequently access different storage locations. Instead of navigating through several folders to find a drive, you can open File Explorer and immediately see the available drives and common folders.
Summary
Changing File Explorer’s default starting location to This PC is a simple way to make Windows more convenient, particularly if you regularly work with storage drives and folders. The process does not require Registry changes, Command Prompt commands, or third-party software.
In Windows 11, open File Explorer, select the three-dot menu, choose Options, and change Open File Explorer to to This PC. In Windows 10, open File Explorer, select View, choose Options, and make the same change.
After selecting Apply and OK, close and reopen File Explorer. From then on, File Explorer should start at This PC, giving you quick access to your computer’s drives, folders, and connected storage devices.