If it opens to "This PC" instead, change the default: File Explorer → View → Options → General → Open File Explorer to: Quick Access

Windows automatically populates this area based on how often you visit certain directories.

Quick Access is the default landing page when you open File Explorer in Windows 11. Located at the top of the navigation pane, it functions as a dynamic "favorites" list. It is divided into two distinct sections: folders, which remain static until you remove them, and Frequent folders, which Windows populates automatically based on your recent activity.

Think of Quick Access as a physical desk organizer. The pinned folders are the files you keep within arm's reach because you need them every day. The frequent folders are the files you used recently, which the computer intuitively pushes to the front of the drawer for you.

Use this after a clean Windows install or to sync across PCs.

Here are some key features of Quick Access: