By default, when you open File Explorer in Windows 11, it takes you to the Home page, which displays Quick Access, Pinned files (Favorites), and Recent files. However, if you frequently access your disk drives, you may find it more convenient to have File Explorer open to This PC instead of the Home page. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to change the default start location of File Explorer from Home to This PC in Windows 11.
How to Open File Explorer on This PC instead of Home in Windows 11?
Method 1: Using File Explorer Options
The easiest way to change the default start location of File Explorer is through the Folder Options settings in File Explorer. Here’s how to do it:-
Step 1. Open File Explorer.
Step 2. Click on the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner of the window.
Step 3. From the drop-down menu, select “Options.”
Step 4. In the Folder Options window, click on the “General” tab.
Step 5. Under “Open File Explorer to,” select “This PC” from the drop-down menu.
Step 6. Click on the “Apply” button, and then click on the “OK” button to save the changes.
When you’re done, launch File Explorer, it should now open to This PC instead of the Home page as default.
Method 2: Using Registry Editor
If you prefer to use Registry Editor, you can also change the default start location of File Explorer by modifying a registry key. Here are the steps:-
Step 1. Press the Windows+ R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2. Type “regedit” (without quotes) in the Run box, and then press “Enter” to open Registry Editor.
Step 3. In the left-hand pane of Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Step 4. In the right-hand pane, look for the “LaunchTo” REG_DWORD value. If it doesn’t exist, right-click on an empty space in the right-hand pane, select “New,” and then select “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Or, right-click on the “Advanced” key on the left side and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 5. Name the new REG_DWORD “LaunchTo.”
Step 6. Double-click on the “LaunchTo” DWORD value and change the “Value data” to “1” to open File Explorer to This PC or “2” to open File Explorer to the Home page.
Step 7. Click on the “OK” button to save the changes.
Step 8. Log out of your account and log back in, or restart your computer to apply the changes.
When you launch File Explorer, it should now open to This PC or the Home page, depending on the value you set in the “LaunchTo” DWORD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, File Explorer is a useful tool in Windows 11 that allows users to access their files and folders easily. By default, it opens to the Home page, but if you frequently access your disk drives, you may prefer to have it open to This PC instead. In this article, we have discussed two methods to change the default start location of File Explorer, including using the Folder Options settings in File Explorer and modifying a registry key using Registry Editor. These methods are simple and easy to follow, and you can choose the one that best suits your preferences. By following these steps, you can customize File Explorer to open to the location that you need most and save time and effort in accessing your files and folders.
