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Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

 

In the new Windows 7 task bar there is a pinned shortcut to ‘Windows Explorer’. Clicking it always brings you to the ‘Libraries’ section (new in Windows 7). This annoys me, because I prefer to see ‘My Computer’, especially because the Libraries are prominent available from the left side of the Explorer window.

Here’s how to change it:

  • Right-click the Windows Explorer icon on the Task Bar
  • In the Task List popup, right-click again on Windows Explorer and choose Properties
  • On the Shortcut tab, in the Target textbox, add the following text after %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe:
    ::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}  (note the two prefix colons)
  • Click OK

PS: Does somebody know how to change the default behavior of WinKey + E? This one also links to the Libraries. It seems that it’s not a registry setting. However, I found a freeware Winkey.exe app, but it doesn’t work on 64-bit systems.

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Print | posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 12:07 PM |

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# re: Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

Thanks a ton for this, tried something almost exactly the same as this but I was slightly off on the syntax.
7/26/2009 9:44 PM | nick
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# re: Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

Thanks, this was super handy.

FYI for people landing on this page from Google, in Windows 7 RTM it's %windir% instead of %systemroot% and also WinKey + E launches a window with Computer as the focus by default.
10/11/2009 6:28 AM | Paul
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# re: Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

@Paul: Thanks for the info, I'm on win7ultimate 7600 build
10/22/2009 10:13 PM | X
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# re: Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

That works for seeing the Computer folder (note that there should be a space between the .exe and the colon) as follows:

%windir%\explorer.exe ::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}

How can I change that so I can see my user folder instead the computer folder? Or any other folder in my account?



10/28/2009 9:49 AM | Curious
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# re: Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

This explains it better:
http://www.7tutorials.com/how-pin-any-folder-windows-7-taskbar#comment-183
10/28/2009 9:53 PM | MaMaCass
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# re: Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

i also want to know how to change explorers default target to (in my case) another partition (e:\)???
11/6/2009 2:26 PM | sam
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# re: Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

Much better is: explorer.exe /n,/e,c:\

Or replace c:\ with whatever you want. MS still should be severely punished for not letting us reassign how Winkey+E works though. What a bunch of jerks.
12/5/2009 8:24 AM | JoeBlow
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# re: Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

I am much obliged to you for posting this. I faced this problem nearly a month ago. I thought I would scream some day and my nerves would be destroyed. Thanks goodness the providence came down on me and I got a chance to find your post. I prefer to see ‘My Computer’ as well. Now I know how to correct this ridiculous and absurd mistake. I appreciate it. Thanks!
12/16/2009 3:32 PM | torrent search
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# re: Change the Windows 7 Explorer default target from Libraries to My Computer

Thanks a ton for this - tried something almost exactly the same, as this but I was slightly off on the syntax.
1/21/2010 10:54 AM | Target

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