Changing File Explorer's Default Startup Location

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated April 20, 2020)

When you launch File Explorer, its default startup location is determined by a setting that you control. You can have it start at the Quick Access section, or you can have it start at the This PC section. Which you choose is totally up to you and doesn't affect the way File Explorer works at all.

The way you change the default file location is very easy. First, launch File explorer. Then click the View tab and move to the Options button. Note: don't click the arrow under Options, click right on the word Options: (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Preparing to set File Explorer's default startup location.

After you click Options, a dialog box will appear, and at the top of the dialog box will be a drop-down list box with the choices "Quick access" and "This PC". (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Setting File Explorer's default startup location.

Select one of the two options from the drop-down list and click OK. From now on, whenever you launch File Explorer, it will open at the location you designated.

 This tip (11420) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Changing Your Internet Home Page

Regardless of the browser you use, there's a way to change its settings so that you can specify where it goes when you ...

Discover More

Launchy

Launchy is a small utility that packs a powerful punch. It allows you to instantly find files and launch them without ...

Discover More

Using Robocopy to Copy Entire Directories

It's simple to use Robocopy to copy entire directories. Dealing with directories is what it does best! This tip shows you ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Swapping Mouse Buttons for Left-Handed Users

By default, the mouse is configured such that the primary mouse button is the left one, and the secondary mouse button is ...

Discover More

Understanding Optional Features

Windows 10 includes many features that are not enabled by default. Discover how to turn on or off the optional features ...

Discover More

Disabling the Windows 10 Blurred Sign-on Screen

The later updates to Windows 10 introduced blurred background images on the sign-in screen. If you prefer to have the ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is three more than 5?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.