General Change Folder to Open File Explorer to by Default in Windows 11


  • Staff
File_Explorer_banner.png
This tutorial will show you how to set File Explorer to open to either This PC, Home (Quick access), OneDrive, Downloads, or a custom location by default for your account in Windows 11.

File Explorer opens to Home (Quick access) by default in Window 11, but you can change File Explorer to open to This PC, OneDrive, or Downloads instead.

Starting with Windows 11 build 22593, Quick access is now called Home. The name Quick access has been repurposed for the pinned/frequent Folders section and Pinned files is now called Favorites to align with Office and OneDrive. Recent and pinned files displayed in Home are now searchable using the search box in File Explorer even if they are not local files, so you can find Office files recently shared with you.

Home (Quick access) shows your pinned and frequent folders and recent files.
  • Quick access (Frequent folders) = Displays up to 11 folders that you pinned or frequently opened on the system.
  • Favorites = Pinned files.
  • Recent (Recent files) = Displays up to 26 files that you most recently opened.
This PC displays your Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music. Pictures, and Videos folders in addition to the usual devices and drives (hard drives, optical drives, and removable devices) and network locations.

OneDrive can sync files between your computer and the cloud, so you can get to your files from anywhere - your computer, your mobile device, and even through the OneDrive website at OneDrive.com. If you add, change, or delete a file or folder in your OneDrive folder, the file or folder is added, changed, or deleted on the OneDrive website and vice versa. You can work with your synced files directly in File Explorer and access your files even when you’re offline. Whenever you’re online, any changes that you or others make will sync automatically.

Downloads opens to your account's Downloads folder.


Contents

  • Option One: Change Folder to Open File Explorer to by Default in Folder Options
  • Option Two: Change Folder to Open File Explorer to by Default using REG File
  • Option Three: Set File Explorer to Open to Custom Location by Default


EXAMPLE: Open File Explorer to "Home", "This PC", "OneDrive", or "Downloads" by default

File_Explorer_Home.png
File_Explorer_Quick-access.png

OneDrive.png
File_Explorer_Downloads.png





Option One

Change Folder to Open File Explorer to by Default in Folder Options


1 Open Folder Options.

2 In the General tab, select Home (Quick access - default), This PC or OneDrive in the Open File Explorer to drop menu for what you want, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)

OneDrive is only available starting with Windows 11 build 22593.



Folder_Options.png






Option Two

Change Folder to Open File Explorer to by Default using REG File


1 Do step 2 (Home), step 3 (This PC), step 4 (OneDrive), or step 5 (Downloads) below for what you would like to do.

2 To Open File Explorer to Home by Default

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 6 below.​

Open_File_Explorer_to_Home.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)

Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"LaunchTo"=dword:00000002

3 To Open File Explorer to This PC by Default

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 6 below.​

Open_File_Explorer_to_This_PC.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)

Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"LaunchTo"=dword:00000001

4 To Open File Explorer to OneDrive by Default

OneDrive is only available starting with Windows 11 build 22593.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 6 below.​

Open_File_Explorer_to-OneDrive.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)

Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"LaunchTo"=dword:00000004

5 To Open File Explorer to Downloads by Default

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 6 below.​

Open_File_Explorer_to_Downloads.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)

Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"LaunchTo"=dword:00000003

6 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

7 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

8 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

9 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.




Option Three

Set File Explorer to Open to Custom Location by Default


1 Do step 2 (custom) or step 3 (undo) below for what you want.


 2. Set File Explorer to Open to Custom Location by Default

This will override Option One and Option Two.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the REG file below.​

This REG file will add the required registry keys and values for you so you will just need to edit it starting at step 2F below for the custom folder path you want instead.


Set_File_Explorer_to_open_to_custom_location.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}\shell\OpenNewWindow\command]
@="Explorer \"C:\\Windows\""
"DelegateExecute"=""

B) Save the .reg file to your desktop.​

C) Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.​

D) When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.​

E) You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.​

F) Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe).​

G) Navigate to the key below in the left pane of Registry Editor. (see screenshot below)​

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}\shell\opennewwindow\command

File_Explorer_open-1.png

H) In the right pane of the command key, double click/tap on the (Default) string value (REG_SZ) to modify it. (see screenshot above)​

I) Change the red part of the Explorer "C:\Windows" path to the folder or drive path you want File Explorer to open to by default, and click/tap on OK.​

For example: Explorer "C:\Users\Brink\Downloads"

..or for a drive: Explorer "C:"


File_Explorer_open-2.png

J) You can now close Registry Editor if you like.​


 3. Undo Set File Explorer to Open to Custom Location by Default

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the REG file below.​

Undo_set_File_Explorer_to_open_to_custom_location.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}]

B) Save the .reg file to your desktop.​

C) Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.​

D) When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.​

E) You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.​


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

  • File_Explorer.png
    File_Explorer.png
    5.6 KB · Views: 179
  • Open_File_Explorer_to_Downloads.reg
    646 bytes · Views: 277
  • Open_File_Explorer_to_Home.reg
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  • Open_File_Explorer_to_OneDrive.reg
    646 bytes · Views: 263
  • Open_File_Explorer_to_This_PC.reg
    646 bytes · Views: 332
  • Undo_set_File_Explorer_to_open_to_custom_location.reg
    295 bytes · Views: 100
  • Set_File_Explorer_to_open_to_custom_location.reg
    374 bytes · Views: 31
Last edited:
Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3350
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
:shawn:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
When Windows update gave me Windows 11, I had already changed Quick Access to My PC in Windows 10. Windows 11 picked up all my settings (for the most part), and this was among them.

I don't like Quick Access, but I know that some do. It's good that we have this choice. Aaaaannnnd, I may at some point need this tutorial . . . who knows . . .
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 23H2 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy TE01-1xxx
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10700 CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz
    Motherboard
    16.0GB Dual-Channel Unknown @ 1463MHz (21-21-21-47)
    Memory
    16384 MBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Monitor 1 - Acer 27" Monitor 2 - Acer 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-512G-1006 (SSD)
    Seagate ST1000DM003-1SB102
    Seagate BUP Slim SCSI Disk Device (SSD)
    PSU
    HP
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    Standard
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    500 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's all Folks!
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 (10th gen) 10700
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Built-in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 27" & Samsung 24"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x
    Hard Drives
    SSD (512 GB)
    HDD (1 TB)
    Seagate
    PSU
    Intel i7 10th Generation
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    HP/Intel?
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Internet Speed
    50 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox 90.2
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Headphone/Microphone Combo
    SuperSpeed USB Type-A (4 on front)
    HP 3-in-One Card Readr
    SuperSpeed USB Type-C
    DVD Writer
Tutorial updated for Windows 11 build 22593.

Quick access renamed to Home.
You can now select to open File Explorer to OneDrive.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Hi,

Thanks for the registry file to direct File Explorer direct to the downloads folder, very useful, Should I ever want to disable this function, is there a way to do this through another registry file or another option?

Thanks

Greg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Hi,

Thanks for the registry file to direct File Explorer direct to the downloads folder, very useful, Should I ever want to disable this function, is there a way to do this through another registry file or another option?

Thanks

Greg

Hello Greg, :-)

I'm not sure this setting can be disabled.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Hi Brink,

Thanks for your reply.

I just played around with the registry entry provided and noticed it can be amended as follows by modifying the value:

0 and 2 - both go direct to Quick Access
1 - goes direct to This PC
3 - goes direct to Downloads

Thanks

Greg
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Hi @Brink

Every time I enable or disable "Always show icons, never thumbnails" in Folder Options, Win+E behaviour changes! I have set its default to open the Downloads folder. By ticking or unticking the option (Always show icons …), Win+E opens Quick Access, and I have to set the Reg Key again. Is this a bug?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 11 Enterprise
    Computer type
    Laptop
    CPU
    i7
    Hard Drives
    SSD
Hi @Brink

Every time I enable or disable "Always show icons, never thumbnails" in Folder Options, Win+E behaviour changes! I have set its default to open the Downloads folder. By ticking or unticking the option (Always show icons …), Win+E opens Quick Access, and I have to set the Reg Key again. Is this a bug?

It must be. I'm not seeing the same thing with build 25126.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Thank you for this information! I use File Explorer all day long and needed this fix badly.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 11 Home
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron
Thank you for this information! I use File Explorer all day long and needed this fix badly.
The simple solution for changing from Quick Access to This PC on Generally Available Windows 11:

Open File Explorer, click on the three dots at top right, click on options at bottom of the flyout window, then click the down arrow on "Open File Explorer to" and change from Quick Access to This PC.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 23H2 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy TE01-1xxx
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10700 CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz
    Motherboard
    16.0GB Dual-Channel Unknown @ 1463MHz (21-21-21-47)
    Memory
    16384 MBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Monitor 1 - Acer 27" Monitor 2 - Acer 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-512G-1006 (SSD)
    Seagate ST1000DM003-1SB102
    Seagate BUP Slim SCSI Disk Device (SSD)
    PSU
    HP
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    Standard
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    500 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's all Folks!
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 (10th gen) 10700
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Built-in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 27" & Samsung 24"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x
    Hard Drives
    SSD (512 GB)
    HDD (1 TB)
    Seagate
    PSU
    Intel i7 10th Generation
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    HP/Intel?
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Internet Speed
    50 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox 90.2
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Headphone/Microphone Combo
    SuperSpeed USB Type-A (4 on front)
    HP 3-in-One Card Readr
    SuperSpeed USB Type-C
    DVD Writer
Tutorial updated to add option three to set File Explorer to open to any custom folder location by default. :alien:
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Is there a local GPO setting or other registry hack to force Win 11 File Explorer to This PC for all users on a domain-joined PC? Windows 11 Enterprise 22H2. I use the policy setting to force the menu bar to show, but can't find a setting to abolish the "Home" view when Explorer opens.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
    CPU
    various
    Motherboard
    many
Is there a local GPO setting or other registry hack to force Win 11 File Explorer to This PC for all users on a domain-joined PC? Windows 11 Enterprise 22H2. I use the policy setting to force the menu bar to show, but can't find a setting to abolish the "Home" view when Explorer opens.

Hello, :alien:

You can use the method in the tutorial below to remove "Home" from the navigation pane of File Explorer for all users.


The registry location below would apply the default folder to open File Explorer like in option three but for all users instead, but the "command" key is owned by TrustedInstaller that would have to have rights assigned first.

Code:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}\shell\OpenNewWindow\command]
@="Explorer \"C:\\Windows\""
"DelegateExecute"=""
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Hi Shawn: Thanks for this tutorial. Been scrounging around for days since updating PC from 21H2 to 23H2. Prior to the upgrade, I had File Explorer configured to open to C:\. After the upgrade, File Explorer defaulted to "Home" or "This PC". Your method finally allowed me to go back to my custom preference. But, I have another question: Is it possible to automatically 'expand' that folder like before? As it stands now, I have to manually do that. Thanks again for your time & effort.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3007)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    GIGABYTE/GA-970A-D3P
    CPU
    TripleCore AMD Athlon II X3 450, 3200 MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-970A-D3P
    Memory
    Corsair 16GB (8x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 30
    Sound Card
    System
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ACER 24 Inch
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    2 Barracuda Hard Drives Seagate ST8000DM004
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx Series RM850x
    Case
    NZXT H510 - CA-H510B-B1
    Cooling
    Aer F120mm
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes
Hi Shawn: Thanks for this tutorial. Been scrounging around for days since updating PC from 21H2 to 23H2. Prior to the upgrade, I had File Explorer configured to open to C:\. After the upgrade, File Explorer defaulted to "Home" or "This PC". Your method finally allowed me to go back to my custom preference. But, I have another question: Is it possible to automatically 'expand' that folder like before? As it stands now, I have to manually do that. Thanks again for your time & effort.
Hello Jack, :alien:

Check using the tutorial below to make sure Expand to current folder is turned on for the navigation pane. That should have it open expanded afterwards.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Hello Jack, :alien:

Check using the tutorial below to make sure Expand to current folder is turned on for the navigation pane. That should have it open expanded afterwards.

Hello Jack, :alien:

Check using the tutorial below to make sure Expand to current folder is turned on for the navigation pane. That should have it open expanded afterwards.

Hello Brink: It appears that in my earlier post, I spoke a bit prematurely. After deploying this reg file: (Set_File_Explorer_to_open_to_custom_location) I created a shortcut for File Explorer to open to C:\. Unfortunately, the shortcut will only open to: "ThisPC" instead, no matter what I do. (*See screenshot). The reason why I prefer the root drive to open is because I have lots of sub folders I work with on a regular basis. BTW, it's not the end of the world if I can't get this to work as in 21H2. I'll just bite the bullet and make the adjustment. I have several desktop computers, plus two laptops in my house. I'll leave them at 21H2 until this is dealt with. Thanks again Brink. You're the best.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot 2024-02-08 120743.png
    Screenshot 2024-02-08 120743.png
    1.3 KB · Views: 3
  • Screenshot 2024-02-08 122448 (latest).png
    Screenshot 2024-02-08 122448 (latest).png
    2.2 KB · Views: 4

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3007)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    GIGABYTE/GA-970A-D3P
    CPU
    TripleCore AMD Athlon II X3 450, 3200 MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-970A-D3P
    Memory
    Corsair 16GB (8x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 30
    Sound Card
    System
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ACER 24 Inch
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    2 Barracuda Hard Drives Seagate ST8000DM004
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx Series RM850x
    Case
    NZXT H510 - CA-H510B-B1
    Cooling
    Aer F120mm
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes
Hello Brink: It appears that in my earlier post, I spoke a bit prematurely. After deploying this reg file: (Set_File_Explorer_to_open_to_custom_location) I created a shortcut for File Explorer to open to C:\. Unfortunately, the shortcut will only open to: "ThisPC" instead, no matter what I do. (*See screenshot). The reason why I prefer the root drive to open is because I have lots of sub folders I work with on a regular basis. BTW, it's not the end of the world if I can't get this to work as in 21H2. I'll just bite the bullet and make the adjustment. I have several desktop computers, plus two laptops in my house. I'll leave them at 21H2 until this is dealt with. Thanks again Brink. You're the best.
If you would like to try the REG file below, it uses the same method as option three but preset for the "C:" drive.

Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}\shell\OpenNewWindow\command]
@="Explorer \"C:\""
"DelegateExecute"=""
 

Attachments

  • C_drive.reg
    394 bytes · Views: 5

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
If you would like to try the REG file below, it uses the same method as option three but preset for the "C:" drive.

Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}\shell\OpenNewWindow\command]
@="Explorer \"C:\""
"DelegateExecute"=""
Say Brink: Thanks for the reg file. I "merged" the file. No go. Still defaulting to that darn "MyPC". Amazing how the ability to fine-tune some of these features can vanish so quickly with a version 'upgrade' on the same OS. Microsoft sure seems to love MyPC in File Explorer, eh? BTW, Out of the 3 options in "Folder Options": 'This PC', 'Home' & 'Downloads', wouldn't it have been smart for the developers to have added a "browse" option so that the user could have selected a default start folder of their choice? Would have made this issue a non-issue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3007)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    GIGABYTE/GA-970A-D3P
    CPU
    TripleCore AMD Athlon II X3 450, 3200 MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-970A-D3P
    Memory
    Corsair 16GB (8x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 30
    Sound Card
    System
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ACER 24 Inch
    Screen Resolution
    1600 x 900
    Hard Drives
    2 Barracuda Hard Drives Seagate ST8000DM004
    PSU
    CORSAIR RMx Series RM850x
    Case
    NZXT H510 - CA-H510B-B1
    Cooling
    Aer F120mm
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes

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