By default, when you launch File Explorer in Windows 11 (by clicking the folder icon or pressing Win + E), it opens to a page called “Home.” This page displays your recently opened files, frequently accessed folders, and files suggested by Microsoft 365.
For many users, this view is cluttered and useless. If you prefer the classic Windows experience where opening File Explorer immediately shows you your primary hard drives, USB thumb drives, and main user folders (Desktop, Documents, Downloads), you need to change the default launch behavior to open “This PC” instead of “Home.”
How to Force File Explorer to Open “This PC”
You can change the default landing page directly from File Explorer’s folder options.
- Open File Explorer (press Windows Key + E).
- Click the three horizontal dots (…) on the right side of the top command bar.
- Select Options from the drop-down menu.
- The “Folder Options” window will appear. Ensure you are on the General tab.
- At the very top of the window, locate the drop-down menu labelled Open File Explorer to:
- Click the drop-down menu and change it from “Home” to This PC.
- Click the Apply button at the bottom right, followed by OK.
The change is instantaneous. Close File Explorer and open it again. You will immediately be greeted by your hard drives and primary folders, completely bypassing the cluttered Home page and recent files list.