Creating a “This PC” Shortcut on your Windows 11 desktop is a simple process that makes accessing your files and drives much more convenient. By following a few easy steps, you’ll have the shortcut ready in no time.
How to Create a “This PC” Shortcut on Desktop in Windows 11
In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a “This PC” shortcut on your Windows 11 desktop. This shortcut allows you to quickly access all your drives, documents, and system folders directly from your desktop.
Step 1: Right-Click on the Desktop
Right-click on any empty space on your desktop.
By right-clicking, you’ll open a context menu that gives you various options to customize your desktop, including creating new shortcuts.
Step 2: Select “New” then “Shortcut”
From the context menu, select “New” and then click on “Shortcut.”
Choosing this option will open a wizard that guides you through the process of creating a new shortcut.
Step 3: Enter Location of the Item
Type or paste explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder into the input box, then click “Next.”
This command tells Windows to open the “This PC” view when the shortcut is activated.
Step 4: Name Your Shortcut
Type in “This PC” as the name for your shortcut, and then click “Finish.”
Naming the shortcut “This PC” makes it easily recognizable and ensures it functions as intended.
Step 5: Change the Icon (Optional)
Right-click your new shortcut and select “Properties.” Then click on “Change Icon” to customize the shortcut icon.
This step is optional but can make the shortcut more visually appealing by using the default “This PC” icon.
After completing these steps, you’ll see a new “This PC” shortcut on your desktop that gives you quick access to your files and drives.
Tips for Creating a “This PC” Shortcut on Desktop in Windows 11
- Drag and Drop: You can also drag the “This PC” icon from the Start menu to the desktop to create a shortcut.
- Personalize It: Customize the icon to make it stand out or match your desktop theme.
- Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Nto quickly create a new shortcut without navigating through menus. - Pin to Taskbar: You can also pin the newly created shortcut to the taskbar for even quicker access.
- Keep Desktop Tidy: Organize your shortcuts into folders to keep your desktop clean and easier to navigate.
FAQs
How do I change the icon for the “This PC” shortcut?
Right-click the shortcut, select “Properties,” then click “Change Icon.” Choose your desired icon from the list or upload your own.
Can I name the shortcut something else?
Yes, you can name the shortcut anything you like during the Step 4 of the creation process.
Do I need admin rights to create this shortcut?
No, you don’t need admin rights to create a shortcut on your desktop.
Can I move the shortcut to another location?
Yes, once created, you can move the shortcut anywhere on your desktop or into a desktop folder.
Will this method work on older versions of Windows?
The steps are specifically for Windows 11, but similar methods can be used for older versions of Windows with slight modifications.
Summary
- Right-click on the desktop.
- Select “New” then “Shortcut.”
- Enter
explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder. - Name your shortcut.
- Change the icon (optional).
Conclusion
Creating a “This PC” shortcut on your Windows 11 desktop is a quick and straightforward way to make your computing experience more efficient. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can have easy access to all your important files and drives right from your desktop. If you’re someone who likes to have everything at your fingertips, this little trick can save you time and hassle.
For those who want to delve deeper, consider exploring other ways to customize your desktop and improve your workflow. Whether it’s adding more shortcuts, using desktop widgets, or organizing your files, the possibilities are endless.
So, go ahead and set up that shortcut now. Once you see how much faster you can navigate your system, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.