How to Change the Startup Page in Windows 11 File Explorer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Notes

  • Learn to set File Explorer to open directly at “This PC”.
  • Discover methods to modify the startup page via Folder Options and Registry Editor.
  • Easy-to-follow steps for customizing your File Explorer experience.

Mastering File Explorer: How to Set the Default Start Page in Windows 11

Customizing your File Explorer startup page can greatly improve efficiency and navigation. This guide will walk you through ensuring File Explorer opens to “This PC, ” enhancing your access to drives and locations right from the start.

How to Customize File Explorer Startup Page

Step 1: Set File Explorer to Open This PC Instead of Home

To configure File Explorer to start at “This PC, ” follow these steps:

  1. Launch File Explorer on your Windows 11 device.
  2. Click the See more (three-dot) menu, then select Options.
  3. Select the General tab.
  4. From the “Open File Explorer to” dropdown, choose the This PC option.
  5. Press the Apply button.
  6. Hit the OK button.

After finishing these steps, File Explorer will always open to “This PC, ” allowing quick access to your drives and folders.

Step 2: Change File Explorer to Open This PC Using Registry Editor

To alter the startup page via the Registry, follow these instructions:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Type regedit into the search bar and select the top result to access the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  4. Right-click on the LaunchTo DWORD and choose the Modify option.
  5. Change the value from 2 to 1.
  6. Finally, click the OK button.

You may need to restart File Explorer or your computer for these changes to take full effect. If you prefer a terminal approach, running the command reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced /v LaunchTo /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f through Command Prompt (admin) will accomplish the same task.

Pro Tip: To revert your changes, revisit these steps and change the LaunchTo DWORD back to 2.

Additional Tips

  • Always verify your settings after adjustments to ensure they work as expected.
  • Familiarize yourself with other File Explorer settings for a personalized experience.
  • Regularly back up your registry before making changes to prevent any issues.

Summary

Customizing the startup page in File Explorer on Windows 11 to “This PC” is a simple yet effective way to streamline your workflow. By utilizing both the Folder Options and Registry Editor methods outlined above, users can enhance their navigation experience significantly.

Conclusion

Implementing these changes will vastly improve your access to important files and folders each time you open File Explorer. Don’t hesitate to adjust further settings to tailor your computer to your needs!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I set File Explorer to any other location?

Yes, you can set File Explorer to open different directories using the Folder Options or Registry Editor settings.

What happens if I change the Registry key incorrectly?

Modifying the Registry incorrectly can lead to system instability. Always backup your Registry before making changes.