Windows Explorer Taskbar Icon - Change Open To Target

How to Change the Windows 7 Pinned Windows Explorer Taskbar Icon Open To Target​

   Information

This will show you how to change the Windows 7 pinned Windows Explorer taskbar icon from the default Open To the Libraries window target to Open To the Computer window target or other possible locations that are available to choose from instead when you click on the Windows Explorer icon on the taskbar.

   Note

Special thanks to Chappy (aka: Dave) for pointing this out to me, and to Limneos for the additional locations.

   Warning

By design in Windows, these shortcuts will open a new window in a new process (explorer.exe) each time you use the shortcut. When you close the opened window from the shortcut, the extra explorer.exe process will close with it as well a few moments afterwards.

EXAMPLE: Windows Explorer icon pinned to the taskbar

EXAMPLE: Opens to Libraries (default) or Computer
NOTE: You can also select from the other available options below.




Here's How:
1. Right click on the pinned Windows Explorer taskbar icon, then right click on Windows Explorer in the Jump List and click on Properties. (see screenshot below)

2. In the Shortcut tab, make sure that the field box to the right of Start in is empty.

3. In the Shortcut tab and to the right of Target, type or copy the path (code) for the location below that you want the Windows Explorer icon to open to instead, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)

NOTE: You can do this for any item that you know it's {CLSID} registry entry for. You can also specify a specific folder e.g. :
%windir%\explorer.exe /n, /e, /select, C:\somefolder

   Note

Using the Explorer.exe Command Line Syntax/:



%windir%\explorer.exe [/n][/e][,/root],X,[[/Select],Y]

• X - Secifies the object, and optionally with sub-object Y.
• /e - Uses Windows Explorer view. Shows the left Windows Explorer tree view in the navigation pane together with the right pane in list view.
• /n - Opens in a new window.
• /root - Will have Explorer.exe explore the root object X and objects belonging to X. On the other hand, when the /root switch is not present, Explorer.exe explores the object X, its children, and other Explorer objects as well.
• /Select - Puts the focus on a file or folder. The parent folder is opened and the specified object is selected.
• /Separate - Opens in a separate process.

For example:

%windir%\explorer.exe /N,/Select,%WinDir%\system32\calc.exe

The command above will explore the C:\Windows\System32 folder and put the focus on the calc.exe (calculator) program.

   Tip

If you want the navigation pane to exand open to the item in Windows 8, then you will need to turn on "Expand to Current Folder" in the navigation pane.

• Windows Explorer (default) (opens to Libraries)

(Windows 7)

%windir%\explorer.exe

(Windows 8)

%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\System Tools\File Explorer.lnk

• Computer

(Opens in new process)

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

OR

%windir%\explorer.exe shell:MyComputerFolder

• My Documents

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{450D8FBA-AD25-11D0-98A8-0800361B1103}

• Documents Library

%UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries\Documents.library-ms

• Downloads

%UserProfile%\Downloads

• Recycle Bin

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E

• Network Neighborhood

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{208D2C60-3AEA-1069-A2D7-08002B30309D}

• Default Web Browser (ex: Internet Explorer)

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D}

• Computer Search Results Folder

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{1F4DE370-D627-11D1-BA4F-00A0C91EEDBA}

• Network Search Results Folder

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{E17D4FC0-5564-11D1-83F2-00A0C90DC849}

• Web Folders

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{BDEADF00-C265-11D0-BCED-00A0C90AB50F}

• Control Panel

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}

• Printers and Faxes

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}

• Scanners and Cameras

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{E211B736-43FD-11D1-9EFB-0000F8757FCD}

• Fonts

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{D20EA4E1-3957-11d2-A40B-0C5020524152}

• Network Connections or My Network Place

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{7007ACC7-3202-11D1-AAD2-00805FC1270E}

• Administrative Tools

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{D20EA4E1-3957-11d2-A40B-0C5020524153}

• Tasks Scheduler

(Opens in new process)

%windir%\explorer.exe /n /Separate,::{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\::{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}\::{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}

• User Profile (personal) Folder

%windir%\explorer.exe shell:Profile

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Change Default Open To Target of File Explorer Pinned to Taskbar in Windows 8.1
• How to Pin or Unpin a Program to the Windows 7 Taskbar
• How to Restore the Default Libraries in Windows 7
• How to Pin Your User Files Folder to the Windows 7 Taskbar
• How to Pin the Recycle Bin to the Windows 7 Taskbar
• How to Pin the Control Panel to the Windows 7 Taskbar
• How to Pin Computer to the Windows 7 Taskbar
• CLSID Key (GUID) List for Windows 7
• How to Use and See All Windows 7 Shell Commands

 

[Airbot]

Shawn, please see this thread here on this topic: http://www.sevenforums.com/performa...will-make-your-seven-easier-2.html#post310704

 

[Brink]

Thank you Aaron.

The %windir% is the correct command to use. I have updated Limneos's post to replace %systemroot%.

 

[Airbot]

Thank you Shawn.

 

[agent4054]

Oddly enough, this launch string has caused me insurmountable amounts of frustration over the years, unbeknownst to me at the time of course.

As maxstep mentioned months ago, the problem of seeing multiple instances of explorer.exe in the task manager confused the heck out of me, as it chewed up system resources, and I had to periodically end their processes (note: that no explorer windows were open, but their processes were still active). I had the problem since Vista beta. I had used this launch string in XP as well, but never encountered this issue there.

I would like to thank these forums for ending a long and painful googlefest by finally providing the CORRECT solution to the problem. Reverting back to the default string fixed it, unfortunately.

If there is anyone else having these issues, refer to the explorer.exe thread. I'm also very curious if there are people not having this problem with the launch string active, and moreover, why not?

 

[markg2]

I've got a couple more related questions.

1. I now have an altered path explorer on the Start menu and the desktop. However, I tried dragging the desktop instance to the taskbar (as I could do under Vista) but got an 'X' for my effort. Right clicking on the new desktop icon, the Start explorer icon or even the actual program under Accessories does not include the option to pin to the taskbar?

2. Now to my pet peeve carried over from Vista. I own this computer. I own this instance of the OS. Yet the d*mn thing does not outright consider my administrator privileges as global for all purposes. An easy example: I tried pasting a file over an existing file and was 'told' I don't have the creds to do it! Okay, now that I've done my mini-rant, is there a way that I can set this computer to ack me as the total boss ?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Brink]

Hi Mark,

Q1) If you mean Computer, then you can use this shortcut instead to pin it to the Start Menu.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/6916-computer-pin-taskbar.html

Q2) You can use the built-in Administrator account instead for this, but be sure to read the warning there.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[scoopyx]

Guys how do I get Explorer to open to my Local Disk (C) by default?
I can't figure it out.
Thanx and regards,

scoopyx.

PS: Glad I found this place.


EDIT: Don't worry, I worked it out.
Thnx.

 

[Plater]

thanks for the info, really appreciate it!

i found that %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe shellrofile is the best going into your personal folder for everything!

thanks!

 

[Brink]

Hello Plater, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Thank you. That has been added.

 

[koumy]

Very useful !

Thanks

 

[Brink]

You're most welcome Koumy.

 

[markg2]

You all resolved my initial question(s) in this thread regarding changing the target open of explorer and now, having used the result, I have another question.

I prefer seeing an expanded 'directory tree' in the left panel pointing to the target sub-directory.

The opening target that I set was C:\MyData. I had expected to see the left panel open to a dir tree expanded to C:\MyData with the consequent sub-directories in the right panel (or even expanded in the left panel). However, What I have is a left panel showing C:\ and in the right panel the directories under C:\MyData with C:\MyData never showing.

Is it possible to have the view wherein the left panel opens already expanded to C:\MyData and below instead of me having to click, click down to it?

Thanks,

Mark

 

[Brink]

I'm happy to hear that the first part as been sorted.

Yes, you should be able to use the tutorial below to have the folder tree expand and open to that folder in the Navigation Pane.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1014-navigation-pane-automatically-expand-current-folder.html

 

[Raargh]

Hi All;

This thread shows the most promise to solve a very similar problem.

I's like to customize Explorer to always open to MyComputer in the left pane. I can easily use this tutorial to make that happen with an explorer icon or with it pinned to taskbar .... BUT

I always open explorer with windows-e key combo, never by clicking on an icon! My fingers twitch for that combo. It is burned into my soul. Windows-e and Windows-r are my utmost favorite things to do .... (that sounds odd :shock.

When I hit windows-e now, I see the following annoying expanded view of my desktop in the left hand pane


But, if I collapse Desktop, then I can't see my hard drives at all! Why the heck are they under Desktop?


... I just want to quickly browse the contents of my hard disks, and I hate the way the left-pane list jumps up and down when one clicks on the "+/-" icons in the tree view.


Any help greatly appreciated!

Raargh

 

[Brink]

Hello Raargh,

I have both right click in navigation pane options unchecked. When you press Win + E, expand Computer, then close the window. When you press Win + E again is should open like below for how you wanted it.



Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[Raargh]

@Brink;

I see how Explorer from Win+E seems to remember the last view, and that is helping. Here is what I get now when I open it:


This is pretty close to what I would like in the left hand pane - it would be perfect if "Computer" was not under "Desktop", but I guess that's just the way MS thinks of it. (In my mind, call me wacky, the Desktop in my Windows 7 computer is only alive because it's in the computer, not the other way around!)

But, I'm confused about what you mean by

I have both right click in navigation pane options unchecked.

Can you elaborate on this a bit?

Thanks!

Raargh

 

[Brink]

Sure thing. It's both of these items unchecked to have them off.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1014-navigation-pane-automatically-expand-current-folder.html

and

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/853-navigation-pane-show-all-folders.html

 

[Raargh]

Sure thing. It's both of these items unchecked to have them off.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1014-navigation-pane-automatically-expand-current-folder.html

and

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/853-navigation-pane-show-all-folders.html

Excellent, this works! It also makes the left-hand pane "hold still" when clicking the "+" - very close to the old "proper" behavior of XP.

Now, when I press win+e I see this:


Clicking the + beside the Win7 c: disk shows this:


and clicking the + beside the OS d: disk causes the left-hand pane to properly re-arrange to this:



Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Raargh

 

[Brink]

I'm happy to hear that got it sorted for you Raargh.

 

[pafkata90]

Thanks for the tutorial. Can you help me a little bit more and tell me exactly what text should I put as "Target" in the properties in order to open D:\ ? Thanks in advance
I couldn't do it myself. Right now it is opening the Computer window.