Change Default File Explorer Startup Folder

Changing the Default File Explorer Startup Folder

Upon launching Windows Explorer in Windows 7 or File Explorer in Windows 8, the Libraries view is presented by default. However, users can easily configure File Explorer to open a different folder upon startup. This process is straightforward in Windows 8, and the following instructions detail how to achieve this customization.

Accessing the Libraries Path

It’s important to note the location used to access the Libraries. The following path can be utilized, with "<username>" replaced by your specific username, to revert the default startup location back to the Libraries.

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries

To designate a specific folder as the default, first open File Explorer. Navigate to the desired folder, then select the complete path within the address bar. Subsequently, copy this path to your clipboard.

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Modifying the File Explorer Properties

Right-click the File Explorer icon located on the Taskbar. This action will reveal a jump list. From this jump list, right-click the File Explorer option itself and select Properties from the context menu that appears.

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Within the Properties window, highlight the existing path displayed in the Target edit box. Then, paste the full path that was previously copied from File Explorer. Confirm your changes by clicking OK.

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Following this adjustment, File Explorer will now open your chosen folder as the default location each time it is launched.

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Using GUIDs for Specific Locations

Alternatively, a Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) can be employed to specify a particular location, such as My Computer. For instance, inputting the following code into the Target field will consistently open My Computer upon launching File Explorer.

C:\Windows\explorer.exe :: {20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}

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Further exploration of GUIDs and their applications can be found in our article detailing the activation of the "How-To Geek" Mode (also known as God Mode). While the article focuses on shortcut creation using GUIDs, these same identifiers can be utilized to define the default location within File Explorer.

Additional Resources

For a more comprehensive understanding of File Explorer (also referred to as Windows Explorer) in Windows 8, please refer to the following related articles: