Understanding Windows File Explorer system

Question

My File Explorer system seems to have got a little duplicated, and I want to try to understand it better.

I have Quick Access, Downloads, Documents, Desktop, Pictures, and other folders in the list on the left when I click on File Explorer.

When I go to This PC, it also shows Downloads, Documents, Desktop and Pictures etc... I want to know where are these folders actually located on my computer?

Also I can see C, and D drives, and when I go into C>Users>"Name of My Computer", I can also get a folder called Documents, but it is empty. There is also an empty Documents folder along with others in D drive.

I would like to simplify this but I don't want to delete some of my important files.

Looking forward to some helpful advice.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi StephenfromChch,

I am Dave, I will help you with this.

1

Right click the Documents folder and select Properties, that should show you the location of the Documents folder being used by Windows.

Usually, in Windows, the Documents, Desktop and Pictures folders are located in the OneDrive folder inside your user folder in C:\Users.

2

Click your Start Button, type regedit and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Click View and make sure 'Address Bar' is turned on.

Paste this into the Address Bar at the top and hit Enter.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

Please provide a screenshot of that Registry Editor page.

Answer 2

Thanks Dave,

Following your advice I determined my Documents folder is located on my D drive. There are many programs including the OS on the C drive.

Actually I'm looking at upgrading to a new desktop computer and from Windows 10 to 11. A couple of years ago I had a SSD drive installed which improved the speed and reduced the noise, and we retained a HDD for storage. If you have advice for a smooth transition, let me know.

Pardon my ignorance, but I couldn't find where to post the link you have, but attach a screenshot of the Registry Editor.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Answer 3

Hi Stephen,

Sorry, I was offline, that is not the correct location in the Registry Editor,

At the top of the registry Editor, click View and make sure 'Address Bar' is turned on.

Please paste this into the address bar in the Registry and press Enter:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

Answer 4

Hello Dave

I've learnt more about the locations of folders using right click>Properties, thanks.

Below is what you requested:

Answer 5

Hi Stephen,

Thank you for the screenshot, the registry indicates you have moved your Documents, Music and Pictures folders to your D drive. if those folders actually exist on the D drive, then those are the folders that Windows will use.