Last Updated on August 31, 2026
File Explorer is the tool used in Microsoft Windows to access your files and folders and being able to effectively manage your files and folders is essential to be a proficient Windows user. When you first open File Explorer, it will most likely open to Home or Quick Access depending on whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11.
You can however change the default location to This PC by going to the folder options for File Explorer and going to the Folder Options and changing the setting within the General tab.
But what if you want to have File Explorer open to a completely different folder besides the choices you have from the Folder Options area? In this article we will be showing you exactly how to set File Explorer to open to a custom folder location by default. This way every time you open File Explorer, it will automatically launch at the specific folder that you have configured.
But what if you want to want to have File Explorer open to a different folder besides the choices you have from the Folder Options area? In this article we will be showing you how to set File Explorer to open to a custom folder location but default. This way every time you open File Explorer, it will be automatically at the folder that you have configured.
Preparing the Registry Edit
1. Understand the Registry Risks
To set File Explorer to open to a custom folder, we will be using a simple registry edit. You should always be careful when making changes to the Windows registry. You can make Windows not operate properly or fail to boot at all if you change the wrong settings.
2. Create the Registry File
We have already figured out the registry changes to establish this custom folder for you. You can simply create your own registry files by copying and pasting the required text into Notepad. Save the new text file to your desktop with a .reg extension rather than a standard .txt extension. You can also download the files from here if you do not want to create your own registry files.
3. Copy the Setup Code
Here is what the registry file to set the custom folder location looks like. You need to paste this exact code block into your blank Notepad document.
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}\shell\OpenNewWindow\command]
@=”Explorer “C:\Windows””
“DelegateExecute”=””
4. Copy the Undo Code
You also need a backup file to undo the custom folder location if you change your mind. Create a second Notepad document and paste the following code to reverse the changes.
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}]
Importing and Editing the Registry Keys
1. Run the Default Location File
Once you create or download the two files, you can double click the file named File Explorer Default Location.reg. Click on Yes at the UAC prompt when it appears on your screen. You will need to have local administrator rights on the computer to perform these next steps.
2. Add the Information to the Registry
Then you will need to click the Yes button at the next system prompt. This specific warning asks if you are absolutely sure you want to add the information to the registry. Windows displays this to prevent accidental system changes.
3. Confirm the Keys Were Added
You will then be notified that the keys and values contained in the registry file have been added to the registry successfully. You can then click the OK button to dismiss the confirmation box. The foundational registry structure is now firmly in place.
4. Open the Windows Registry Editor
To change the default folder to a custom folder for File Explorer, you will then need to edit the registry item that you just imported. Open the Windows Registry Editor by typing regedit in the Windows taskbar search box. Select Registry Editor from the search results and say Yes to the UAC prompt.
5. Navigate to the Target Key
You will then need to navigate to the exact registry key you just created. You can simply copy and paste the path into the registry editor address bar rather than typing it manually. Paste HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID{52205fd8-5dfb-447d-801a-d0b52f2e83e1}\shell\opennewwindow\command and hit Enter.
6. Change the Default Value
Then you will need to double click on the Default REG_SZ value located in the right pane. This allows you to change the folder location to your own custom folder location. The edit string dialog box will pop up on your screen immediately.
7. Use Proper Path Formatting
Just be sure to use the proper formatting such as “E:\Sales\Invoices” for your target directory. Make absolutely sure to leave the quotes at the beginning and ending of the folder path. After you have made your changes, click the OK button to have them applied.
Managing Your Custom Folder Settings
1. Test the New File Explorer Launch
Now whenever you launch File Explorer, it will open to your custom folder location by default. Close all active windows and click the folder icon on your taskbar to test it. It should bypass the Home screen completely.
2. Change the Custom Location Later
If you need to change the custom folder location later, you do not need to repeat the entire process. You can simply go back to the exact same registry key. Double click the default value again and type in a brand new folder path.
3. Reverse the Process Entirely
If you want to reverse the process and go back to the default Windows settings, you can do so easily. Simply double click on the Undo File Explorer Default Location.reg file you created earlier. Follow the prompts the exact same way you did for the first registry file.
4. Use the Windhawk App Alternative
Sometimes corporate IT policies block manual registry edits entirely. If this method does not work for you, you can use the free Windhawk app to change your default folder location for File Explorer. This third-party customization tool handles the backend code changes for you safely.
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