To find This PC on Windows 11, open File Explorer (press Windows + E) and click This PC in the left pane. File Explorer opens to Home by default, but you can make it open straight to This PC, pin it to the Start menu, or put the This PC icon back on your desktop.
Quick Answer
Windows + E > click This PC in the navigation pane. To open there every time: ⋯ > Options > Open File Explorer to: This PC.
Open This PC in File Explorer
- Press Windows + E, or click the folder icon on the taskbar.
- In the left pane, click This PC. You may need to scroll down past Home, Gallery and your quick access folders.
- You’ll see your drives, including connected USB drives, and devices.
You can also type This PC in Start search and press Enter.
Make File Explorer Open to This PC
- In File Explorer, click the ⋯ (See more) button in the toolbar and choose Options.
- On the General tab, set Open File Explorer to to This PC.
- Click OK.
Add the This PC Icon to the Desktop
- Open Settings > Personalization > Themes.
- Click Desktop icon settings.
- Check Computer and click OK. The icon appears on the desktop as This PC.
More Ways to Reach It
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Pin to Start | Right-click This PC in File Explorer > Pin to Start |
| Run box | Windows + R, type explorer shell:MyComputerFolder |
| Properties shortcut | Windows + Pause (or Settings > System > About) shows your PC specs, which used to be under This PC > Properties |
For removable drives, see how to open a USB drive on Windows 11.
Troubleshooting
- This PC is missing from the left pane: Right-click an empty area of the navigation pane and choose Show all folders, or check that the navigation pane is on under View > Show.
- A drive doesn’t appear: Check that it’s connected and has a drive letter in Disk Management. Hidden items may also be involved; see showing hidden files.
- Looking for a file you opened recently? Home lists recent files; see checking recently opened files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is This PC the same as My Computer?
Yes. My Computer was renamed Computer and then This PC in later versions of Windows.
Why does File Explorer open to Home?
That’s the Windows 11 default. Change it in Folder Options.
Can I rename This PC?
You can rename the desktop icon, but renaming the computer itself is done in Settings > System > About > Rename this PC.
Summary
- Press Windows + E and click This PC.
- Set Folder Options to open File Explorer to This PC.
- Add the desktop icon through Desktop icon settings.
- Pin it to Start for one-click access.
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.