File Explorer error


izzyforeal

izzyforeal

I hate peer pressure and you should too.
Local time
4:36 PM
Posts
85
Location
Ohio
OS
Windows 11
Hello everyone, I have a puzzling issue. I have File Explorer opening to the Downloads library and out of the blue I get the attached error but only when I use the WIN + E shortcut key. I can still select it from the apps list. I read online if you change the "open to" folder to MYPC it won't happen and that's true but I want it to open to Downloads. I resorted to reinstalling Windows which did fix the problem but it resets a lot to default that I have to then again customize. It's a real pain in the ass. I see this issue was discussed on the forum before without any definitive answer. I have tried everything from the forum and online with no resolution. Thanks in advance for your help.
-Izzy

Version 24H2 (OS Build 26100 2033)
 

Attachments

  • 2025-05-31_21-02-36.webp
    2025-05-31_21-02-36.webp
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS-15-7590
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9750H CPU @ 2.60GHz, 259
    Motherboard
    BaseBoard Product 018W12
    Memory
    16GB DDR4-2666MHz, 2x8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Digital Power Station | Bongiovi Acoustics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    6-Cell 97WHr Integrated
    Case
    Platinum Silver
    Keyboard
    Logitech K 470
    Mouse
    Jelly Comb MS023
    Internet Speed
    200 | 10
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    I changed my login password to "Incorrect."
Might check this page found by Search:
www.bing.com

file explorer open to this pc - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.
www.bing.com www.bing.com
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Berton said:
Might check this page found by Search:
www.bing.com

file explorer open to this pc - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.
www.bing.com www.bing.com
Click to expand...
Thanks Berton but that is much too easy to work, LOL. I have tried much more invasive things to get it to work. Although thank you for the suggestion.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS-15-7590
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9750H CPU @ 2.60GHz, 259
    Motherboard
    BaseBoard Product 018W12
    Memory
    16GB DDR4-2666MHz, 2x8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Digital Power Station | Bongiovi Acoustics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    6-Cell 97WHr Integrated
    Case
    Platinum Silver
    Keyboard
    Logitech K 470
    Mouse
    Jelly Comb MS023
    Internet Speed
    200 | 10
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    I changed my login password to "Incorrect."
izzyforeal said:
Downloads library
Click to expand...
I thought downloads was a folder, not a library. Would you please tell me how you set file explorer to do this. Folder options for my file explorer gives me 2 options, Open File Explorer to This PC and open File Explorer to Home.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26100.4061
There are quite a few ways, one is as follows

For the default File Explorer startup location:
1. Open Registry Editor
2. Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Create a String Value named “LaunchTo”
4. Set value data to:
1 = This PC
2 = Quick access
3 = Downloads
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build 22631.5335
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    1000/400Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
Didn't know that. I thought the only 2 options we had was what appears in folder options. Thx.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26100.4061
glasskuter said:
Didn't know that. I thought the only 2 options we had was what appears in folder options. Thx.
Click to expand...

I believe others are:

4 = Desktop
5 = Documents
6 = Pictures
7 = Music
8 = Videos
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build 22631.5335
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    5 x LG 25MS500-B - 1 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech: G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    1000/400Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
glasskuter said:
I thought downloads was a folder, not a library. Would you please tell me how you set file explorer to do this. Folder options for my file explorer gives me 2 options, Open File Explorer to This PC and open File Explorer to Home.
Click to expand...
The default for File Explorer is that anything in the left Navigation Pane above This PC are merely pinned shortcuts and noted by the maptack/thumbtack on the right of each one. Right-click and Properties of them will show the actual location.

Example of my Downloads folder:
1748837840616.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 3400
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 11th Gen. 2.40GHz
    Memory
    12GB
    Hard Drives
    256GB SSD NVMe M.2
  • Operating System
    Win11 Pro RTM Version 24H2 Build 26100.4202
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Vostro 5890
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 10th Gen. 2.90GHz
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Onboard, no VGA, using a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Dell
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD NVMe, 4TB Seagate HDD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender/Microsoft Security
Back to the original poster's question.

izzyforeal said:
I resorted to reinstalling Windows which did fix the problem but it resets a lot to default that I have to then again customize.
Click to expand...
That's a pretty drastic step to take before proving whether you have a windows problem or a user account problem. The registry hive @antspants referred to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced is a user setting, not system setting.

In your current installation of windows, you can prove right quick if it's user account corruption/or incorrect tweak by creating another local user account to test with. Make the one registry change to this new account using this tutorial. Use Option 2 step 5 If it works correctly in this new account there's an issue with YOUR user account.
www.elevenforum.com

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

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...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com

If it didn't work correctly, it's a windows problem., DISM/RESTORE HEALTH and SFC may well have been able to fix it. If those tools fail to do so, a repair install most probably would fix it..
A repair install would not affect your user account or any of the tweaks made to the user account. After a repair install you do have to redo any tweaks you made that involve HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, or HKEY_USERS
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Optiplex 7080
    CPU
    i9-10900 10 core 20 threads
    Motherboard
    DELL 0J37VM
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    none-Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1tb Solidigm m.2 nvme+256gb SKHynix m.2 nvme /External drives 512gb Samsung m.2 sata+1tb Kingston m2.nvme+ 4gb Solidigm nvme
    PSU
    500w
    Case
    MT
    Cooling
    Dell Premium
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    so slow I'm too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    #1 Edge #2 Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender+MWB Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2 26100.4061
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink Mini PC SER5
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 6800U
    Memory
    32 gb
    Graphics card(s)
    integrated
    Sound Card
    integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial nvme
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Keyboard
    Logitech wired
    Internet Speed
    still too embarrassed to tell
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    System 3 is non compliant Dell 9020 i7-4770/24gb ram Win11 PRO 26100.4061
You can create a shortcut for Explorer and specify any folder.
Only the shortcut will be Ctrl+Alt+[...]

1.webp
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Microsoft Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI MS-7D98
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-13490F
    Motherboard
    MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    2 x 16 Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) PSD516G560081
    Graphics Card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G (GV-N4070WF3OC-12GD)
    Sound Card
    Bluetooth Аудио
    Monitor(s) Displays
    INNOCN 15K1F
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    WD_BLACK SN770 250GB
    KINGSTON SNV2S1000G (ELFK0S.6)
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1000W
    Case
    CG560 - DeepCool
    Cooling
    ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS / 2 x 140Mm Fan - rear and top; 3 x 120Mm - front
    Keyboard
    Corsair K70 RGB TKL
    Mouse
    Corsair KATAR PRO XT
    Internet Speed
    100 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender Antivirus
    Other Info
    https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/66553205
abactuon said:
You can create a shortcut for Explorer and specify any folder.
Only the shortcut will be Ctrl+Alt+[...]

View attachment 135734
Click to expand...
This is actually a pretty good idea. I sometimes have trouble working around problems and prefer to go through them. Divorced 3 times...hello.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS-15-7590
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9750H CPU @ 2.60GHz, 259
    Motherboard
    BaseBoard Product 018W12
    Memory
    16GB DDR4-2666MHz, 2x8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Digital Power Station | Bongiovi Acoustics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    6-Cell 97WHr Integrated
    Case
    Platinum Silver
    Keyboard
    Logitech K 470
    Mouse
    Jelly Comb MS023
    Internet Speed
    200 | 10
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    I changed my login password to "Incorrect."
glasskuter said:
Back to the original poster's question.


That's a pretty drastic step to take before proving whether you have a windows problem or a user account problem. The registry hive @antspants referred to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced is a user setting, not system setting.

In your current installation of windows, you can prove right quick if it's user account corruption/or incorrect tweak by creating another local user account to test with. Make the one registry change to this new account using this tutorial. Use Option 2 step 5 If it works correctly in this new account there's an issue with YOUR user account.
www.elevenforum.com

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

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...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com

If it didn't work correctly, it's a windows problem., DISM/RESTORE HEALTH and SFC may well have been able to fix it. If those tools fail to do so, a repair install most probably would fix it..
A repair install would not affect your user account or any of the tweaks made to the user account. After a repair install you do have to redo any tweaks you made that involve HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT, HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, or HKEY_USERS
Click to expand...
Glasskuter, I have tried this and found it to be a Windows problem which is why I had to reinstall but thank you. I guess I was checking if anyone had solved this to date.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS-15-7590
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9750H CPU @ 2.60GHz, 259
    Motherboard
    BaseBoard Product 018W12
    Memory
    16GB DDR4-2666MHz, 2x8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Digital Power Station | Bongiovi Acoustics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    6-Cell 97WHr Integrated
    Case
    Platinum Silver
    Keyboard
    Logitech K 470
    Mouse
    Jelly Comb MS023
    Internet Speed
    200 | 10
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    I changed my login password to "Incorrect."
Berton said:
The default for File Explorer is that anything in the left Navigation Pane above This PC are merely pinned shortcuts and noted by the maptack/thumbtack on the right of each one. Right-click and Properties of them will show the actual location.

Example of my Downloads folder:
View attachment 135723
Click to expand...
Berton, thank you but I dump my Quick Access as soon as I turn on a new PC.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS-15-7590
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9750H CPU @ 2.60GHz, 259
    Motherboard
    BaseBoard Product 018W12
    Memory
    16GB DDR4-2666MHz, 2x8G
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Digital Power Station | Bongiovi Acoustics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    6-Cell 97WHr Integrated
    Case
    Platinum Silver
    Keyboard
    Logitech K 470
    Mouse
    Jelly Comb MS023
    Internet Speed
    200 | 10
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    I changed my login password to "Incorrect."
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