My Computer is a Microsoft Windows feature first found in Windows 95 and included with all later versions that lets you explore and manage the contents of your computer's drives. The image shows examples of the My Computer icon in Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, and the "This PC" icon in Windows 8 and in Windows 10. Although the name has changed, "This PC" still has the same functionality as "My Computer."
How to open My Computer
In all Windows versions, you can use the keyboard to open My Computer without using the mouse. Pressing the keyboard shortcut Windows key+E opens My Computer (File Explorer). Your computer's drives and any installed devices are listed under the "This PC" section on the left.
or
- Get to the Windows desktop and open Start menu, or navigate to the Start Screen if you are using Windows 8.
- In Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11, select This PC from the Window's File Explorer.In Windows Vista and Windows 7, select Computer from the Start menu.In earlier versions of Windows, after clicking Start, select My Computer. Or, on the desktop, double-click the My Computer icon.
- Missing My Computer, My Network Places, or My Documents icon.
The following images are examples of the My Computer option in new and old versions of Windows.
Windows XP
Windows 7
How to use My Computer
Once My Computer (This PC) is open, all available drives on your computer are displayed. The primary location of all your files is the Local Disk (C:), which is the default hard drive that stores all files. Double-click this drive icon to open it and view its contents.
Finding files in My Computer
Most files you create or want to find are located in your My Documents folder. If you are having trouble finding where a file is stored, you can also use the Windows find feature.
- How to find a file on a computer.
Finding My Computer on a Mac
On a macOS system, there is a similar section to My Computer called the Computer Folder. To access the Computer Folder while using the Finder, press Command+Shift+C.
Adjust system settings with My Computer
To manage or view your computer settings, right-click the My Computer icon and select Properties. Performing these steps opens the System Properties (the same window accessible through the Control Panel).
Computer, Drive, Explorer, Folder, My, My Documents, Operating system terms, PC
