Are you tired of the same old default folder that pops up when you open Windows Explorer in Windows 11? Well, guess what? You can change it! It’s a simple process that can make your computer experience a bit more personalized and efficient. All it takes is a few clicks and you’ll be on your way to setting a new default folder that suits your needs.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Change the Default Windows Explorer Folder in Windows 11
Before we jump into the steps, let me explain what we’re about to do. By changing the default folder, we’re telling Windows Explorer to open a different folder every time we launch it, instead of the usual Quick Access or This PC. This could be any folder you access frequently, like your Documents or Downloads folder.
Step 1: Open Windows Explorer Options
Open the File Explorer Options by searching for it in the Start menu or by pressing the Windows key + E and then clicking on the three dots in the top right corner, followed by ‘Options’.
In this window, you’ll find a variety of settings that you can adjust to customize how File Explorer works on your computer.
Step 2: Change the Open File Explorer to Setting
Under the General tab, find the ‘Open File Explorer to’ dropdown menu and select the folder you want to set as your new default.
The dropdown menu has a couple of default options like ‘This PC’ or ‘Quick Access’, but you can also choose ‘Other’ to set a different folder as your default.
Step 3: Set a Specific Folder (Optional)
If you chose ‘Other’ in the previous step, click on the ‘Browse’ button to select the specific folder you want to open by default.
Navigate to the folder you want to set as the default, select it, and then click ‘OK’ to confirm your choice.
Step 4: Apply and OK
Click the ‘Apply’ button to save your changes and then click ‘OK’ to close the Options window.
That’s it! You’ve successfully changed your default Windows Explorer folder. The next time you open File Explorer, it should take you straight to the folder you selected.
After completing these steps, whenever you open Windows Explorer, it will automatically take you to your chosen default folder. This can save you time and clicks, especially if you tend to use a specific folder more often than others.
Tips: How to Change the Default Windows Explorer Folder in Windows 11
- Make sure to choose a folder that you access frequently to save time.
- You can always change the default folder back to ‘Quick Access’ or ‘This PC’ if you change your mind.
- If you choose a folder on an external drive, the default may revert to ‘This PC’ if the drive is disconnected.
- You can use the ‘Restore Defaults’ button in the File Explorer Options to reset everything back to its original settings.
- Keep your frequently used folders organized for easy access after setting them as the default.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I want to change back to the original default folder?
Simply go back into the File Explorer Options and change the ‘Open File Explorer to’ setting back to ‘Quick Access’ or ‘This PC’.
Can I set a folder from an external drive as the default?
Yes, you can, but if the external drive isn’t connected, File Explorer will default back to ‘This PC’.
Will changing the default folder affect other users on the same computer?
No, this change only applies to your user account on that computer.
Is there a limit to how many times I can change the default folder?
No, you can change it as often as you like to suit your needs.
Can I set a network location as the default folder?
Yes, as long as the network location is accessible, you can set it as the default.
Summary
- Open Windows Explorer Options.
- Change the ‘Open File Explorer to’ setting.
- (Optional) Set a specific folder if ‘Other’ was selected.
- Apply and OK to save changes.
Conclusion
Customizing your Windows 11 experience to fit your personal needs is a game-changer, and changing the default Windows Explorer folder is just one of the many ways to do so. With the easy steps outlined above, you can streamline your workflow, save time, and make your computer feel more like your own. Remember, it’s all about making technology work for you, not the other way around. Whether you’re a power user or just looking for ways to enhance your day-to-day computer use, this simple change can make a big difference. So why not give it a try and see how it improves your Windows 11 experience?
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.