How to Add File Explorer Shortcut to Desktop on Windows 11 & 10

Learn how to create and add the File Explorer shortcut to your desktop for quick and easy access. Works in both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

File Explorer is one of the most widely used applications in Windows, as it is the primary app for managing files. Considering the importance of this app, there are multiple ways to open the File Explorer. For example, you can use the taskbar icon, search for it in the Start menu, or press the “Windows key + E” keyboard shortcut. However, one missing method is the ability to open it via the desktop shortcut. If you are moving to Windows 11 or 10 from an older Windows version or someone who likes to keep your desktop organized with all your app icons, adding the File Explorer shortcut to the desktop is pretty helpful.

In this quick and straightforward tutorial, I will show two methods to add File Explorer to the desktop. Let’s get started.

Note: The File Explorer is also called “This PC”.

Create the File Explorer Shortcut on the Desktop

Just like with any other application, you can create a custom desktop shortcut to open the File Explorer. It is one of the simplest ways to add the File Explorer icon to the desktop. Here’s how.

1. Right-click on the desktop.
2. Select the “New” > “Shortcut” option.
   
3. Type “C:\Windows\explorer.exe” in the blank field and click “Next“.
   
4. Enter “File Explorer” in the name field and click “Finish“.
   
5. With that, you’ve created the File Explorer shortcut on the desktop.
   

That is all. From now on, you can double-click the File Explorer desktop shortcut to open the app.

Add File Explorer Icon to the Desktop Using the Settings App

You can display the File Explorer icon (This PC) on the desktop using the “Desktop Icon Settings” dialog. This works in both Windows 11 and Windows 10, though the steps are a bit different. So, I will show the steps for each version individually.

Windows 11:

1. Press “Windows key + I” to open Settings.
2. Navigate to the “Personalization” tab on the sidebar.
3. Click the “Themes” option.
4. Click the “Desktop icon settings” option.
5. Select the “Computer” checkbox.
6. Click the “OK” button.
7. With that, the File Explorer (This PC) icon is added to the desktop.

Windows 10:

1. Open the Settings using the “Windows key + I” shortcut.
2. Go to “Personalization“.
3. Go to the “Themes” page.
4. Click on the “Desktop icon settings” link under “Related Settings“.
5. Select the “Computer” checkbox.
6. Click the “Apply” and “Ok” buttons.
   
7. As soon as you save the changes, the This PC icon is added to the desktop screen.
   

To open File Explorer, double-click on the This PC icon. The added benefit of the ‘This PC’ icon is that it gives you other useful options in the right-click menu. For example, you can open System Properties, map a network drive, etc.

Wrapping Up — Adding File Explorer Icon to Desktop

As you can see, whether you are using Windows 11 or Windows 10, it is pretty easy to create and add the File Explorer shortcut to your desktop. If you are looking for a simple and easy method, create a custom shortcut using the first method. However, if you want the proper way, follow the second method. The benefit of the second method is that you can also add/remove other icons, such as the control panel, recycle bin, etc., to your desktop.

If you no longer want the File Explorer icon on your desktop, simply select it and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard.

Good to read:

• How to open File Explorer as an administrator
• How to disable enhanced search in Windows to improve File Explorer search
• How to show or hide desktop icons in Windows 11

If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.