How to Get This PC in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 11 brings a sleek, modern design and streamlined interface — but if you’ve recently upgraded from Windows 10, you might notice something missing: “This PC” (formerly known as My Computer) doesn’t show up on the desktop by default.

Don’t worry — it’s still there!
In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to get “This PC” back in Windows 11, add it to your desktop, File Explorer, and even the Start menu for quick access.

Whether you’re a beginner or a power user, this guide will walk you through every method clearly and simply.

What Is “This PC” in Windows 11?

“This PC” (previously My Computer) is your gateway to everything stored on your computer. It shows all your drives, connected devices, folders, and lets you access your system properties.

It’s like the command center for your laptop or desktop — from here, you can:

• Access internal and external drives

• View and manage storage

• Navigate your main folders (Documents, Downloads, Pictures, etc.)

• Open Device Manager and system settings

• Check available space

In short, “This PC” is your digital control room inside Windows 11.

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⚙️ Why You Might Want to Access “This PC”

While Windows 11 hides “This PC” from the desktop by default to maintain a clean look, most users still rely on it for convenience.

Here’s why you should bring it back:

• 🧩 Quick access to your drives and storage

• 📁 Easier navigation for file management

• ⚙️ Fast route to system properties

• 💾 Efficient device and network management

If you regularly plug in USB drives, external hard disks, or manage large files, “This PC” is a must-have shortcut.

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📍 Where to Find “This PC” in Windows 11

Before we add it manually, here are the main ways you can currently find it:

• Via File Explorer – Open File Explorer and click This PC from the sidebar.

• Via Search – Press Windows + S, type “This PC,” and open it.

• Via Run – Press Windows + R, type explorer shell:MyComputerFolder, and hit Enter.

However, let’s make it even easier by placing it right where you can always see it — on your desktop, Start menu, or taskbar.

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🖥️ Method 1: Show “This PC” on the Desktop

This is the most popular and practical way to get “This PC” back in Windows 11.

Steps:

1. Right-click on the Desktop and select Personalize.

2. Scroll down and click Themes.

3. Under Related Settings, click Desktop icon settings.

4. In the pop-up window, check the box next to Computer (this represents “This PC”).

5. Click Apply, then OK.

You’ll now see the “This PC” icon right on your desktop, just like in older versions of Windows.

✅ Pro Tip: You can drag this icon anywhere or rename it by right-clicking → Rename.

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📌 Method 2: Pin “This PC” to the Taskbar

If you want one-click access from the bottom of your screen, pinning “This PC” to the taskbar is perfect.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

2. On the left sidebar, right-click This PC.

3. Select Pin to Quick Access or Pin to taskbar.

Now, “This PC” will stay accessible from your taskbar for instant access — no extra clicks needed!

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🌟 Method 3: Pin “This PC” to Start Menu

Windows 11’s Start menu is customizable — you can add your favorite system shortcuts there.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Right-click This PC from the left panel.

3. Choose Pin to Start.

You’ll now find “This PC” in your Start menu under the Pinned section.

💡 Tip: You can right-click the Start menu tile and drag it to rearrange or group it with other system tools.

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📂 Method 4: Access “This PC” via File Explorer

If you don’t want to clutter your desktop, you can simply access “This PC” anytime through File Explorer.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.

2. Click the drop-down menu on the left pane.

3. Select This PC.

You’ll now see all your drives, folders, and devices.

✅ Bonus Tip:
You can make “This PC” the default startup location when you open File Explorer.

To Set “This PC” as Default View:

1. In File Explorer, click the three-dot menu (⋯) at the top.

2. Select Options.

3. Under the General tab, find Open File Explorer to:

4. Change Quick Access → This PC.

5. Click Apply and OK.

Now, every time you open File Explorer, it’ll go straight to “This PC.”

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🔗 Method 5: Create a Shortcut to “This PC”

If you like having personalized shortcuts, here’s how to make your own “This PC” icon.

Steps:

1. Right-click on your desktop.

2. Select New → Shortcut.

3. In the location field, type:

   explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder


4. Click Next.

5. Name it This PC (or anything you prefer).

6. Click Finish.

You’ve just created a functional “This PC” shortcut on your desktop!

💡 You can also right-click the shortcut → Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar for even faster access.

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⌨️ Method 6: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Open “This PC”

Prefer speed? You can open “This PC” with a simple shortcut.

Shortcut Key:

Press Windows + E

This opens File Explorer directly — and if you’ve set it to open in “This PC” mode (as shown earlier), you’re instantly there.

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💻 Method 7: Access “This PC” Through Run or Command Prompt

For tech-savvy users, you can also access “This PC” via system commands.

Option 1: Using Run

1. Press Windows + R.

2. Type:

   explorer shell:MyComputerFolder


3. Press Enter.

“This PC” will open immediately.

Option 2: Using Command Prompt

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and press Enter.

2. In Command Prompt, type:

   explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder


3. Hit Enter.

This method is handy when File Explorer isn’t opening normally or when troubleshooting system errors.

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🧩 How to Customize “This PC” View in Windows 11

Once you’ve accessed “This PC,” you can tailor it to your needs.

1. Show Hidden Items

• In File Explorer, click View → Show → Hidden items.

2. Sort or Group Items

• Use the View tab → choose Details, Icons, or Tiles.

• Right-click anywhere → Sort by → Name, Size, or Date Modified.

3. Add or Remove Folders

You can hide default folders (Documents, Music, etc.) by editing the registry, or use third-party tools like Winaero Tweaker to customize your layout safely.

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📝 How to Rename “This PC”

Want your laptop to have a personalized name? Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

2. Go to System → About.

3. Click Rename this PC.

4. Enter your new name (letters, numbers, and hyphens only).

5. Restart your laptop to apply changes.

Your “This PC” name will now reflect your new device name.

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🧰 Troubleshooting: If “This PC” Icon Doesn’t Appear

If the icon still doesn’t show even after enabling it:

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⚡ Tips for Quick File Access and Productivity

• Use Quick Access to pin folders you use often.

• Enable OneDrive sync for automatic backups.

• Turn on Storage Sense under Settings → System → Storage.

• Right-click any folder → Pin to Start for quick access.

• Keep your desktop clean to avoid clutter and improve focus.

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🗝️ Key Takeaways

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🏁 Conclusion

Getting “This PC” back in Windows 11 is simple once you know where to look. Whether you prefer having it on your desktop, Start menu, or taskbar — Windows gives you multiple ways to customize your workspace.

By restoring “This PC,” you’ll regain easy access to all your drives, folders, and system tools — just like the classic Windows experience we all know and love.

So go ahead — follow the method that suits you best and make Windows 11 truly your own.

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❓ FAQs

1. Why can’t I see “This PC” on my desktop in Windows 11?

By default, Windows 11 hides desktop icons. You can re-enable it from Settings → Personalization → Themes → Desktop icon settings.

2. Can I rename “This PC” to something else?

Yes. Go to Settings → System → About → Rename this PC to change your device name.

3. How do I open “This PC” directly with a shortcut key?

Press Windows + E to open File Explorer. If you set “This PC” as the default view, it opens instantly.

4. What is the difference between “Quick Access” and “This PC”?

“Quick Access” shows recently used files and pinned folders, while “This PC” displays all drives and system folders.

5. Can I add “This PC” to the File Explorer sidebar permanently?

Yes. It’s already listed by default, but if not, you can drag and drop it into Quick Access for easy visibility.

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✅ Summary: Quick Steps to Get “This PC” in Windows 11