To open the C drive on Windows 11, press Windows + E to open File Explorer, click This PC in the left pane, and double-click Local Disk (C:) under Devices and drives. Even faster: press Windows + R, type C:\, and press Enter. The C drive is where Windows, your installed programs, and your user folders are stored.
Below are more ways to get there, what’s inside, and what to do if the C drive is missing or you can’t open a folder.
Method 1: File Explorer
- Press Windows + E, or click the folder icon on the taskbar.
- Click This PC in the left pane.
- Double-click Local Disk (C:).
Method 2: Run box or address bar
- Press Windows + R, type C:\, and press Enter.
- Or click the address bar in any File Explorer window, type C:\, and press Enter.
Method 3: Make File Explorer open to This PC
- Open File Explorer, click the three-dot See more menu, and choose Options.
- Set Open File Explorer to This PC and click OK.
You can also right-click Local Disk (C:) and choose Pin to Quick access or Pin to Start.
What’s on the C drive?
| Folder | What it contains | Safe to change? |
|---|---|---|
| Users | Each account’s Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures | Yes, your own files |
| Program Files / Program Files (x86) | Installed apps | Uninstall apps through Settings instead |
| Windows | The operating system | No |
| ProgramData (hidden) | Shared app data and settings | Only if you know what you’re doing |
To see hidden folders like AppData and ProgramData, click View > Show > Hidden items. See how to view hidden files on Windows 11 and how to show the AppData folder.
Check how much space is left
This PC shows a bar under each drive with free space. For details and cleanup tools, open Settings > System > Storage.
Troubleshooting
- “You don’t currently have permission to access this folder”: Click Continue if you’re an administrator. Avoid taking ownership of system folders like Windows.
- C drive not shown in This PC: Open Disk Management (right-click Start) to check drive letters. If a policy hides drives on a work PC, contact IT.
- C drive is full: Run Cleanup recommendations in Settings > System > Storage, and move large files to another drive.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the C drive?
Early PCs used A: and B: for floppy disk drives, so the first hard drive became C:, and the tradition stuck.
Can I install apps on a different drive?
Many installers let you choose a location. For Microsoft Store apps, go to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Where new content is saved.
Is it safe to delete files from the C drive?
Your own files, yes. Don’t delete files in the Windows or Program Files folders manually.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.