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 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 shortcut keys Windows key+E opens My Computer (Explorer). Your computer’s drives and any installed devices are listed under the “This PC” section on the left.

  • How to open My Computer.
  • How to use My Computer.
  • Finding files in My Computer.
  • Finding My Computer on a Mac.
  • Adjust system settings with My Computer.
  • Related information.

or

  • Get to the Windows desktop and open Start menu, or navigate to the Start Screen if you are using Windows 8.

  • In earlier versions of Windows, after clicking Start, select My Computer. Or, on the desktop, double-click the My Computer icon. In Windows Vista and Windows 7, select Computer from the Start menu. In Windows 8 and Windows 10, select This PC from the Window’s File Explorer.

  • Missing My Computer, My Network Places, or My Documents icon.

The following images show examples of the My Computer option in both new and old versions of Windows.

Windows XP

Windows 7

In Windows Vista and Windows 7, My Computer is called “Computer” and is accessed through the Start menu, as shown below.

In Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11, My Computer is called “This PC” and is accessed through the Start menu.

How to use My Computer

Once My Computer (This PC) is open, you will see all available drives on your computer. 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 will 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, press Shift+Command+C.

Adjust system settings with My Computer

To manage or view your computer settings, right-click the My Computer icon and then click Properties. Performing these steps opens your System Properties (the same window accessible through the Control Panel).

Computer, Drive, Explorer, Folder, My, My Documents, Operating system terms, PC

  • How to make the Windows My Computer icon the first icon.
  • How to change how files are displayed in Windows Explorer.
  • How to keep my Windows file listing the same in all folders.
  • How to find information about my computer.