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 Media Player Playlist

Windows Media Player lets you manager all sorts of media. One way to do this is by creating playlists. This tip describes ...

Discover More

Sharing Resources on a Network

Business or home networks can make efficient use of resources by sharing them. You can establish a print server and/or a ...

Discover More

Controlling the Size of the Windows Page File

The Windows page file is crucial to optimal system performance. This tip shows you how to control its size.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Changing the Program that Opens a File

If you have multiple versions of the same program on your system, Windows can become confused as to which version it ...

Discover More

Keeping the Scroll Bar

Scroll bars are helpful in showing that there is more information to be seen. By default, Windows 10 hides scroll bars, ...

Discover More

Changing the Mouse Pointer

Windows is rather configurable, especially when it comes to the user interface. Here's how you can modify the way that ...

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 seven more than 7?

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


Newest Tips