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In a normal Windows 11 installation, the Desktop folder is usually located at C:Users<Windows-user-name>Desktop. However, the folder shown on your screen may be stored somewhere else if OneDrive Desktop backup or folder redirection is enabled.
The quickest way to open the Desktop Windows is currently using is to press Windows+E, select the File Explorer address bar, type shell:desktop, and press Enter.
Open the Desktop folder in File Explorer
- Press Windows+E to open File Explorer.
- Select Home in the left navigation pane.
- Open Desktop under the pinned folders, or select Desktop in the navigation pane.
In Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos normally appear under Home and in the left navigation pane. They no longer normally appear under This PC. Microsoft also renamed the older Quick access view to File Explorer Home, although some commands still use the words “Quick access.”
Open Desktop with a command
Open Command Prompt, press Windows+R, or use another program that accepts commands, then run:
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explorer.exe shell:desktopThis opens the active Desktop assigned to the signed-in Windows account. It also works when Windows is using a Desktop redirected to OneDrive.
To open the shared Desktop folder that applies to all users on the computer, run:
explorer.exe shell:common desktopThese commands open different locations:
| Command | Opens |
|---|---|
explorer.exe shell:desktop |
The current user’s active Desktop |
explorer.exe shell:common desktop |
The Public Desktop shared by all users |
Default physical path for Desktop
If Desktop has not been redirected or backed up to OneDrive, its usual path is:
C:Users<Windows-user-name>DesktopFor example, if the Windows account name is Alex, the path is:
C:UsersAlexDesktopYou can paste that path into the File Explorer address bar. Replace <Windows-user-name> with the actual account folder name; do not type the angle brackets.
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Why Desktop is not under This PC
Instructions that tell you to open This PC and look for Desktop are generally outdated for current Windows 11. Beginning with version 22H2, Microsoft moved the standard known-folder shortcuts to Home and the left navigation pane.
This is a navigation change, not necessarily a physical-folder change. Desktop may still physically reside in C:Users<name>Desktop, or it may be inside OneDrive.
If Desktop is missing from File Explorer
Show the navigation pane
If the left side of File Explorer is not visible:
- Open File Explorer.
- Select View.
- Select Show.
- Turn on Navigation pane.
Pin Desktop back to File Explorer
If Desktop was removed from Home:
- Open Start and select File Explorer.
- Select Home.
- Select the Up arrow beside the address bar.
- Right-click, or press and hold, Desktop.
- Select Pin to Quick access.
The command may still say Pin to Quick access, even though the main File Explorer view is now called Home.
Find the Desktop folder when OneDrive is enabled
Windows 11 includes OneDrive, and OneDrive can back up or redirect the Desktop folder. Typical paths include:
C:Users<name>OneDriveDesktopC:Users<name>OneDrive - <Organization>DesktopThese are examples, not guaranteed absolute paths. The OneDrive root can be stored on another drive or in a differently named folder. In File Explorer, personal storage normally appears as OneDrive – Personal; work or school storage appears as OneDrive – [CompanyName].
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OneDrive does not automatically mean that Desktop is redirected. Desktop backup is optional, so an unconfigured computer can continue using C:Users<name>Desktop.
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- Open File Explorer and locate Desktop under Home, the left navigation pane, or the relevant OneDrive account.
- Right-click Desktop and select Properties.
- Open the Location tab.
- Read the path shown in the location field.
The path shown there is the folder Windows is using for that Desktop. This is more reliable than assuming the folder is on the C: drive.
Change where the Desktop folder is stored
To move the Windows Desktop known folder to another location:
- Right-click Desktop in File Explorer.
- Select Properties.
- Open the Location tab.
- Select Move.
- Choose the destination folder and select Select Folder.
- Select Apply.
- When Windows asks whether to move the existing Desktop files, select Yes if you want the current icons, shortcuts, and files moved as well.
Moving Desktop changes the known-folder location. It is different from moving the entire OneDrive folder.
What if the Location tab is missing?
If Desktop Properties does not show a Location tab, you may have opened the wrong Desktop folder. This commonly happens when a computer has more than one possible location, such as:
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- A local Desktop and a OneDrive-backed Desktop
- A personal OneDrive account and a work or school OneDrive account
- Desktop folders left over from an earlier account configuration
Check Desktop under each relevant OneDrive account and under the local user profile, then open Properties again. The correct known-folder entry should expose its current location.
If Desktop icons appear to have disappeared
Missing icons do not always mean the files were deleted. OneDrive folder-backup problems can cause Windows to display a different Desktop location from the folder containing the original shortcuts.
- Open the local Desktop and each relevant OneDrive Desktop.
- Compare their contents.
- Open Properties for each candidate Desktop.
- Check the Location path and identify which folder Windows is currently using.
Do not delete or merge the folders until you have confirmed which one contains the expected files and which one is active.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Set File Explorer to open This PC
If you prefer to start in This PC rather than Home:
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- Select See more (…) on the toolbar.
- Select Options.
- Under Open File Explorer to, choose This PC.
- Select Apply.
This only changes File Explorer’s opening view. It does not move Desktop or change its storage location.
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Desktop location summary
| Situation | Likely location or method |
|---|---|
| Standard local Desktop | C:Users<name>Desktop |
| Open the active Desktop | explorer.exe shell:desktop |
| Shared Desktop for every user | explorer.exe shell:common desktop |
| OneDrive personal backup | Usually a Desktop folder below OneDrive – Personal |
| OneDrive work or school backup | Usually a Desktop folder below OneDrive – [CompanyName] |
| Unsure which location is active | Desktop → Properties → Location |
Microsoft’s File Explorer guidance covers the current Home navigation and the shell:desktop commands. Microsoft’s OneDrive guidance explains how Desktop backup changes the effective location and how to verify it through Properties.
FAQ
Where is the Desktop folder in Windows 11 by default?
Without OneDrive redirection, it is usually C:Users<Windows-user-name>Desktop.
How do I open my current Desktop folder quickly?
Press Windows+R, type explorer.exe shell:desktop, and press Enter. You can also enter shell:desktop in File Explorer’s address bar.
Where is Desktop in Windows 11 File Explorer?
Open File Explorer and look under Home or in the left navigation pane. In Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, Desktop is normally not listed under This PC.
Why is my Desktop inside OneDrive?
OneDrive folder backup may be enabled. The active Desktop can then be inside a personal or work/school OneDrive folder. Confirm the exact path by opening Desktop Properties and checking the Location tab.
How do I restore the Desktop shortcut in File Explorer?
Open File Explorer, select Home, select the Up arrow beside the address bar, right-click Desktop, and choose Pin to Quick access.
What is the difference between shell:desktop and shell:common desktop?
shell:desktop opens the signed-in user’s active Desktop. shell:common desktop opens the Public Desktop shared by all users.
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The default Windows 11 Desktop path is C:Users<name>Desktop, but that is not guaranteed. Use explorer.exe shell:desktop to open the active Desktop, then check Desktop → Properties → Location to see its exact path. If it is not under the local user folder, check the relevant OneDrive account.
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