Section of Microsoft Windows introduced with the release of Windows 95 and included with all subsequent versions, My Computer allows you to explore the contents of your computer drives as well as manage their files. The picture to the right shows examples of the My Computer icon in Microsoft Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, as well as the "This PC" icon introduced in Windows 8. Although the name has changed, this icon still has the same function as the original.
How to open My Computer
- Get to the Windows Desktop and open Start Menu or navigate to the Start Screen if you are using Windows 8.
- On earlier versions of Windows after clicking Start, double-click the My Computer icon. In newer versions select Computer from the menu that appears. The following images show examples of the My Computer folder in both new and old versions of Windows.
Note: In Windows Vista and Windows 7, My Computer is simply called Computer and is accessed through the Start menu, as shown below.
This PC in Windows 8 File Explorer
Using My Computer
Once My Computer is open, you will see all available drives on your computer. The primary location of all of your files is the Local Disc (C:), which is default hard drive that stores all files. Double-click this drive icon to open it and view its contents.
Finding files in My Computer
Adjust system settings with My Computer
To manage or view your computer settings, right-click on the My Computer icon and then click Properties. Performing these steps opens your System Properties (the same window accessible through the Control Panel).
- Missing My Computer icon on the Windows Desktop.
- Making the My Computer icon the first icon on the Desktop, above My Documents.
- How to change how files are shown in My Computer.
- How do I keep the file listing the same in all Windows?