Customize Your Windows 11 File Explorer: Change to 'This PC'

If you've recently made the leap to Windows 11, you might find that its File Explorer behaves a little differently than you're used to. Unlike Windows 10, which greeted users with the trusty "This PC" page, Windows 11 opens directly to the Home page by default. But worry not! There’s a straightforward way to tailor this feature to your liking, making your navigation smoother and more efficient. Let's dig into how you can change the default startup page in File Explorer, so you can get right to your files without navigating through unnecessary tabs.

The Default Setup: Home vs. This PC​

When you first fire up File Explorer in Windows 11, you're taken to a sleek Home page, showcasing recent files and folders. While aesthetically pleasing, this layout might not serve everyone’s needs — particularly if you're a fan of browsing directly through your files in "This PC," where all your drives, documents, and more are just a click away.

Switching to "This PC"​

1. Open File Explorer: You can do this by clicking the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing Windows + E on your keyboard.
2. Access Options: Once in File Explorer, look for the three-dot menu (the "More" button) in the top bar and click on it. From the dropdown menu, select "Options."
3. Set Default Startup Page: In the Folder Options window that appears, locate the drop-down menu next to Open File Explorer to. Click on it and select This PC from the options provided. This simple change ensures that every time you open File Explorer, you start on the "This PC" page rather than the Home page.
4. Apply Your Changes: Don’t forget to click “Apply” and then “OK” to confirm your changes. Voila! Next time you open File Explorer, you'll be taken directly to your files.

Removing the Home Page Completely​

If you are feeling bold and would prefer to banish the Home page altogether, there’s a path for that, too. However, proceed with caution: this step involves editing the Windows Registry, which can be risky if mistakes are made. Always ensure you back up your registry and create a restore point before proceeding.

Here’s How You Can Do It:​

1. Open the Registry Editor: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to Explorer Key: Go to the following path:
   

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

3. Create New Value:
   • Right-click on the Explorer key.
   • Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
   • Name this new value HubMode.
4. Set the Value:
   • Double-click the HubMode value you just created.
   • Set the Value data to 1 and click "OK."
5. Delete the Home Page Reference:
   • Navigate to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace

   • Look for the entry named {f874310e-b6b7-47dc-bc84-b9e6b38f5903}. Right-click it and select Delete.
6. Restart Your Computer: For the changes to take effect, a restart is necessary.

Reverting the Changes​

If you ever want to bring back the Home page after attempting this change, you can reverse the process:

1. Go back to the Explorer key in the Registry Editor.
2. Right-click on the HubMode value and choose Delete.
3. In the NameSpace key, right-click, select New, and then Key again. Name this key {f874310e-b6b7-47dc-bc84-b9e6b38f5903}.
4. Finally, double-click the Default string of the new key and set the Value data to CLSID_MSGraphHomeFolder.

Repeat the restart, and you’ll be back to having the Home page available for selection.

Other Features in the Folder Options​

The Folder Options not only allow you to change the default startup page; it's also a treasure trove of customization options! Here you can decide:

• Whether to show hidden files.
• What appears in the navigation pane.
• The default view type for your folders.

Conclusion​

There you have it! In just a few steps, you can change the default startup page of File Explorer in Windows 11 to better fit your working style. Whether you prefer diving straight into your files or want to remove the distraction of the Home page entirely, you now have the tools to customize your experience.
So why not take a minute to explore the Folder Options further? You may discover even more functionalities that could enhance your day-to-day computing life!
Happy exploring, and remember: with great power (and customization) comes great responsibility!

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Source: How-To Geek How to Change the Default Startup Page in File Explorer on Windows 11