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

Creating a CD/DVD Archive

CDs and DVDs are good for creating archives of files you want to keep over the long term. They are a great way to back up ...

Discover More

Using the Disk Cleanup Wizard

There are a lot of files that "hang around" on your system that you probably don't intend to keep (if you even realize ...

Discover More

Setting the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge

For some people, search engines are a religious issue. Fortunately, Microsoft Edge has left the door open for you to ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Enlarging Screen Font Size

Sometimes things appearing on the screen are a bit too small to read easily. One possible solution is to adjust the size ...

Discover More

Changing the User Interface Language

Tired of Windows showing you information in English when you'd much prefer a different language? Here's how to modify the ...

Discover More

Customizing the Start Menu

Windows gives you the ability to customize exactly what appears on your Start menu. Here's how you get to the controls ...

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 eight more than 6?

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


Newest Tips