Finding “This PC” on Windows 11 isn’t always obvious, especially if you’re used to previous versions or just prefer quick access methods. Sometimes, it feels like Windows makes it harder than necessary to get to your drives and folders, or maybe you just want a faster way to jump right into your files without digging through menus every time. That’s why having multiple ways to access “This PC” can really save some frustration, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects or trying to troubleshoot. This guide walks through the best methods – from the official paths to shortcuts you can pin or create—so you can pick what feels easiest and get back to work faster.
How to Find This PC on Windows 11
Method 1: Using the Start Menu Search
This is generally the quickest, most straightforward method, especially if you’re just trying to pop open “This PC” without navigating menus. When you hit the Start Menu Windows key, just start typing “This PC”.Windows 11’s search bar is pretty good at surfacing what you need—sometimes it takes a second to index, but usually it works. Clicking on “This PC” from the results opens up the File Explorer right on your drives and folders panel. This only applies if “This PC” is showing up in your search—if it’s missing somehow, there might be a small glitch, or you need to reconfigure your search index.
Method 2: Pin “This PC” to the Start Menu
Pinning it keeps it handy, especially for those who want quick access without re-typing or searching every time. Right-click on “This PC” in the search results or in File Explorer if you have it open elsewhere, then select Pin to Start. Now, it’ll appear as a tile in your Start menu, which you can move around if you prefer it at the top or in a specific spot. This way, a single click gets you directly into your drives without fuss. Just note that sometimes Windows needs a quick restart or sign-out to get the tile properly pinned, especially after updates.
Method 3: Create a Desktop Shortcut
This is kind of old-school but super effective—it’s the fastest way to access “This PC” right from your desktop. Right-click on “This PC” in File Explorer or from the search results, then choose Show More Options, go to Send to, and pick Desktop (create shortcut). It’ll throw an icon right on the desktop that looks like a little computer. Double-clicking that shortcut opens File Explorer directly to “This PC”.If your desktop gets cluttered, you can rename the shortcut to whatever makes sense. Funny thing is, sometimes the shortcut takes a second to show up after creating, especially if your PC’s busy with updates or background tasks.
Method 4: Pin “This PC” to Quick Access
If you tend to navigate a lot through File Explorer, pinning “This PC” to Quick Access is a game-changer. Open File Explorer with Win + E, then find “This PC” in the left pane. Right-click on it and choose Pin to Quick Access. Now, it’s always just a click away in the sidebar, which saves you those extra steps of going through menus or searching. But, heads up—if your Quick Access feels cluttered, you can unpin items later, or set it to show recent items, making your access even more personalized. Windows sometimes resets these little preferences after updates, so don’t be surprised if you have to pin it again later.
On some setups, clicking “This PC” in the search or pinning it can behave unexpectedly until you refresh your system or restart File Explorer (try Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then find and restart “Windows Explorer”).Not sure why it works, but sometimes it’s just a minor glitch in the Explorer process.
Tips for Finding “This PC” on Windows 11
- Use Quick Access: Pin “This PC” for rapid click-and-go access.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Win + E opens File Explorer directly, then just click on “This PC”.
- Customize Start Menu: Keep “This PC” at the top for quick tiles.
- Voice Command: Use Cortana or Windows speech recognition to say “Open This PC” if you’ve set it up.
- Start Menu Settings: Check Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle options for showing recently opened items or pinning folders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add “This PC” to my desktop on Windows 11?
Right-click on “This PC” in File Explorer, then choose Show More Options, then Send to, and click Desktop (create shortcut). This makes a quick-launch icon on your desktop for instant access. Not sure why, but sometimes the shortcut appears after a short delay or after a system restart.
Can I change what “This PC” shows in the name?
Absolutely. Right-click the icon, select Rename, and type whatever you prefer. Just keep it recognizable so you don’t get confused later.
How to pin “This PC” to the taskbar?
Open “This PC” in File Explorer, then right-click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar, and choose Pin to taskbar. It’s a good way to keep it right at your fingertips.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for “This PC”?
While Windows doesn’t have a dedicated shortcut for “This PC” itself, you can get there quickly with Win + E to open File Explorer, then double-click “This PC” or select it from the sidebar.
Why does “This PC” disappear from my search or start menu?
Sometimes, Windows’ search index can get a little wonky, or the system cache needs refreshing. Restarting your PC or rebuilding the search index via Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows can usually fix this. It’s kind of weird, but it happens periodically.
Summary
- Open Start, type “This PC”, and select it.
- Pin it to Start for quick tiles.
- Create a desktop shortcut for instant access.
- Pin “This PC” to Quick Access in File Explorer.
- Use Win + E for fast file navigation.
Wrap-up
Finding “This PC” on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a hassle—there are plenty of ways to keep it handy, whether through shortcuts, pinning, or keyboard tricks. It’s kind of funny how Windows sometimes hides key features behind some menus, but once you get into the habit of pinning or creating shortcuts, navigating your files gets way smoother. Just remember that sometimes, a quick restart or rebuilding your search index can fix weird issues. Hopefully, this gets one update moving, or at least makes your workflow a tad easier—because who likes hunting for drives every time?