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Set File Explorer to Open This PC by Default in Windows 10

By metsPosted on Posted in Sport Gear

Set File Explorer to Open This PC by Default in Windows 10

Opening File Explorer directly to This PC (formerly known as Computer) can save you time and streamline your workflow in Windows 10. Instead of launching File Explorer and then navigating to This PC each time, configuring it to open there by default makes your experience quicker and more efficient. This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to set This PC as the default opening location for File Explorer, ensuring you land exactly where you need to be each time you open the folder. Before starting, ensure your Windows 10 system is up to date and that you have administrator privileges, as some steps involve editing system settings and registry entries.

What You’ll Need

  • A Windows 10 PC with administrative rights
  • Basic familiarity with Windows settings and Registry Editor
  • Optional: Backup your Registry before making changes

Step-by-Step

  1. Open File Explorer: Click on the folder icon on your taskbar or press Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
  2. Access Folder Options: In the File Explorer window, click on the ‘View’ tab at the top, then select ‘Options’ on the right to open Folder Options.
  3. Change Open File Explorer to This PC: In the Folder Options window, under the ‘General’ tab, find the dropdown labeled ‘Open File Explorer to:’. Click on it and select ‘This PC’.
  4. Apply and Save: Click ‘Apply’ at the bottom, then click ‘OK’ to save your changes. Now, every time you open File Explorer, it should default to This PC.
  5. Verify the Change: Close all open File Explorer windows and reopen File Explorer. Confirm that it now opens directly to This PC.
  6. Optional — Use Registry Editor for Advanced Customization: If the above method doesn’t work or you want more control, you can manually edit the Registry. Open Registry Editor by pressing Windows key + R, typing ‘regedit’, and pressing Enter. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. Find or create a DWORD value named ‘LaunchTo’ and set its value to 1 (for This PC). Restart your computer to apply changes.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’ in Folder Options after making changes.
  • Editing the wrong Registry key or value, which can cause system issues.
  • Not restarting File Explorer or the computer after making changes, leading to the settings not applying.
  • Using an outdated Windows 10 version that may not support certain customization options.

Tips

  • Create a System Restore point before editing the Registry, so you can revert if something goes wrong.
  • If you prefer a quick fix, pin This PC to your taskbar for easy access.
  • Use keyboard shortcuts (Windows key + E) to open File Explorer quickly, which will now default to This PC.
  • Keep your Windows 10 updated, as Microsoft occasionally improves customization options.

Troubleshooting

If your File Explorer still does not open to This PC after following the steps:

  • Ensure you have restarted File Explorer or your computer after making the changes.
  • Double-check your Folder Options settings to confirm ‘Open File Explorer to:’ is set to ‘This PC’.
  • If editing the Registry, verify you entered the correct key and value. Mistakes here can prevent the setting from working.
  • Run the System File Checker tool (sfc /scannow) via Command Prompt to repair corrupted system files that might interfere with settings.
  • Update Windows 10 to the latest version, as older builds may have limited customization options or bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I set File Explorer to always open to a specific folder?

Yes, you can set it to open to a specific folder by choosing ‘This PC’ or a custom folder in Folder Options or by creating a shortcut with specific target settings.

2. Will changing this setting affect other Windows features?

No, it only changes the default opening location of File Explorer, not other system functions.

3. Is it safe to edit the Registry for this purpose?

It is safe if you follow instructions carefully, but always back up your Registry beforehand to prevent potential issues.

4. How do I revert the change if I want File Explorer to open to Quick access again?

Go back to Folder Options, and set ‘Open File Explorer to:’ to ‘Quick access’, then apply and restart File Explorer.

5. Does this work on Windows 11 or other Windows versions?

This guide is specific to Windows 10. Windows 11 may have different steps or options, so check relevant documentation for that OS.

6. Can I automate this process for multiple computers?

Yes, using Group Policy or scripting with PowerShell can automate setting this preference across multiple devices.

This comprehensive guide should help you customize your Windows 10 experience to open File Explorer directly to This PC, saving you time and making navigation more efficient. Remember to proceed carefully when editing system settings or the Registry, and always back up your data beforehand.

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Set File Explorer to Open This PC by Default in Windows 10
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