How to Make File Explorer Open to "This PC" Instead of Quick Access
Change the default File Explorer landing view via Folder Options or the Registry.
Overview
By default, File Explorer opens to Quick Access (or Home). If you prefer seeing your drives, you can set it to open to "This PC". This guide shows how via Folder Options and the Registry.
Setting File Explorer to open to This PC.
Key Takeaways
- File Explorer defaults to Quick Access/Home.
- Folder Options lets you switch it to This PC.
- A Registry value does the same for scripting.
- Takes effect on the next Explorer window.
Method 1: Folder Options
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click the three dots (…) > Options (or View > Options).
3. On the General tab, set "Open File Explorer to:" to "This PC".
4. Click Apply, then OK.
Set the "Open File Explorer to" option.
Method 2: Registry
Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause problems. Back up the Registry first.
1. Open regedit and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
2. Set the DWORD "LaunchTo" to 1 (This PC). (2 = Quick Access, 3 = Downloads on some builds.)
3. Restart Explorer or sign out/in.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Still opens to Quick Access.
Solution: Confirm "This PC" is selected in Folder Options (or LaunchTo=1), then restart Explorer.
Problem: No "Open to" dropdown.
Solution: On Windows 11 it may say "Home"/"This PC"; pick "This PC" in Folder Options > General.
Problem: Reverts after update.
Solution: Feature updates can reset it — reapply the setting.
Problem: Want Downloads instead.
Solution: Some builds allow "Downloads" via LaunchTo=3; otherwise pin your preferred folder.
Conclusion
To land on your drives instead of Quick Access, set File Explorer’s "Open to" option to "This PC" in Folder Options — or set the LaunchTo Registry value to 1. The change applies to the next window you open.
