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How can I get Windows Explorer to default to open on a directory of my choosing?

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Summary: You can create a shortcut to open Windows Explorer on the directory of your choice.

How can I get Windows Explorer to default to open on a directory of my choosing?

Create a new shortcut to Windows Explorer and on that shortcut select Properties. The "Target:" field will be something like: "%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe". Simply change that to include the desired directory, like this: "%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe d:\directory". Now that shortcut will open Windows Explorer directly on "d:\directory".

Article C1984 - June 4, 2004

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Recent Comments
25 Comments

dear leo-
still need help if you're out there... and if you want a latte....
i would like my 'windows explorer' to open as follows:
-two paned
-left pane: My Documents, expanded, and
My Computer, expanded & highlighted
right pane: drives displayed
all i've been able to manage is to have it open with My Computer expanded and the 'local disc (C)' highlighted in the left pane, and therefore all my 'C' folders are featured in the right pane.
puh-leeeeeezeee????? this is driving me crazy... an increasingly shorter trip.
jc
p.s. i did read the article and still can't get it to do what i want.

Posted by: jean crowley at March 5, 2008 1:55 PM

I did what you suggested, however it will not associate itself with internet explorer and won't open the page. This happens on a few web page icons I have on my desktop. The only one that opens is the actual internet explorer icon
Thanks

Posted by: Roger at June 11, 2008 9:15 AM

i want to set my default in windows xp to open to My Computer..what is the line I have to add?

Posted by: Dusty at July 4, 2008 1:23 AM

This site is awesome! Thanks Leo. This is the only site I've found that resolved this issue. A Guiness on me.

Posted by: Alex Campbell at September 7, 2008 5:24 PM

HELLOW
i had problem with windows explorer . when i open the folder or partition drive it automatically close the windows. so how can i remove this problems.
thanks for your kind cooperation.

Posted by: CP at September 12, 2008 1:43 AM

The secret is "...Create a NEW shortcut".
I tried to use the existing one found under the "Start" menue, and it did not work. Now if you change the icon too, it would be really snazzy.

Posted by: Mike at January 13, 2009 11:25 PM

to open windows explorer on "My Computer", with the C drive highlighted in the right pane, you need:

C:\WINDOWS\explorer.exe /n, /e, /select, C:\

Posted by: justme at January 19, 2009 10:36 AM

Thanks Leo. Your Windows XP and Vista tips are invaluable, and self explanatory. Your website is the ONLY web site I use for hints, tips and great ideas. Keep up the good, open source work!

Posted by: Bouaeland at February 20, 2009 10:47 AM

How can i set a Default folder in Windows search?

Posted by: NAV at May 26, 2009 10:38 PM

Hello!!
Windows 7(Vista) opens by default "Libraries folder" when Explorer starts.
PLEASE - How to change it for example to jump to c: instead of "Libraries folder" IN REGISTRY?
I want to use it so:
I will assign keyboard key to start Explorer.exe.
So I can use it in two ways:
1. if Explorer.exe hangs(I will kill it) and click X button to start it.
2. if Explorer.exe running - I will use that X button just to open Folder window.

Why I ask about registry changing? - Because "explorer.exe c:" - not works with p.1. (if explorer not running - it Not opens system Tray) but opens folders(Libraries) window.
and "explorer.exe" open system tray BUT not opens folder c:

Posted by: Alex at August 25, 2009 5:13 PM

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