Change What File Explorer Opens to First in Windows 11

This article provides step-by-step instructions for changing the default startup location of File Explorer in Windows 11. Users can choose to have File Explorer open to either Home or This PC, depending on their preference.

Description

By default, File Explorer in Windows 11 opens to Home, showing your recent files and frequently used folders. If you’d prefer it to open to This PC (which shows drives and system folders), you can change this setting easily. 

Note: Setting File Explorer to open ‘This PC’ may cause issues if you have mapped network drives and are working off campus.

Procedure               

1. Click the Start menu and type File Explorer Options, then press Enter (Alternatively, open File Explorer, click the three dots (...) on the toolbar, and select Options.)

              

2. In the Folder Options window, make sure you're on the General tab.

3. Find the “Open File Explorer to:” dropdown menu.

                    

4. Select This PC or Home (Default), depending on your preference.

5. Click OK to save your changes.