Finding your "My Computer" icon in Windows 10 might seem tricky at first, as Microsoft redesigned the interface. The familiar "My Computer" (or "Computer") has been replaced with This PC, but it serves the same purpose: providing access to all your drives, devices, and network locations. This guide will show you how to easily locate and use This PC, as well as answer some frequently asked questions.
Where did My Computer go in Windows 10?
The "My Computer" icon, a staple of earlier Windows versions, is no longer directly visible on the desktop in Windows 10. Microsoft opted for a cleaner, more modern interface. Instead of "My Computer", you'll find its functionality under This PC.
How do I access This PC in Windows 10?
There are several ways to access This PC, the equivalent of My Computer in Windows 10:
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File Explorer: The easiest method is to click the File Explorer icon (a yellow folder) on your taskbar. This will open File Explorer, and This PC will be listed in the left-hand navigation pane.
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Desktop Search: Type "This PC" into the search bar located on the taskbar. This will instantly display the This PC icon, allowing you to click and open it.
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Quick Access: You can pin This PC to your Quick Access menu in File Explorer for even faster access. To do this, open File Explorer, right-click This PC, and select "Pin to Quick access."
How do I open My Documents in Windows 10?
While "My Computer" is gone, your personal folders, like "My Documents," are still readily accessible. Within This PC, you'll find your user profile folder, which contains "Documents," "Pictures," "Videos," "Music," and "Downloads." You can also access these folders directly from the File Explorer's left-hand navigation pane, often listed under "Quick access".
What is the difference between This PC and File Explorer?
While often used interchangeably, This PC and File Explorer aren't exactly the same.
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This PC: This is a view within File Explorer that shows your computer's drives, devices, and network locations. It's the digital equivalent of your computer's internal hard drive, external hard drives, and network shares.
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File Explorer: This is the application itself that allows you to browse and manage your files and folders. This PC is just one part of the functionality offered by File Explorer.
Can I change the name of This PC?
No, you cannot directly change the name "This PC." However, you can change the name of your computer itself (which will affect how it appears on a network). This involves changing the computer name within Windows settings. This process can be found in the System settings under "About" and will require administrative privileges.
How to find This PC in Windows 10 Start Menu?
While not directly visible on the start menu, you can search for “This PC” using the search bar located in the start menu. This will quickly locate the icon and allow you to open it.
This guide clarifies the location and functionality of the equivalent of "My Computer" in Windows 10. By understanding the relationship between This PC and File Explorer, you can efficiently navigate your files and folders in the updated Windows 10 interface. Remember to utilize the search bar – it's your quickest route to accessing almost any system function.
