Changing the location of your Desktop folder in Windows 11 allows you to store your Desktop files on a different drive or partition, which can be useful for managing storage space or backing up your data.
The primary way to change your Desktop folder's location in Windows 11 is by using the folder's built-in Properties.
Steps to Change Desktop Location
Follow these steps to relocate your Desktop folder using the method based on the system's folder properties:
- Open File Explorer: You can do this by searching for "File Explorer" in the Start menu or pressing
Windows key + E. - Navigate to This PC: In File Explorer, look for "This PC" in the left-hand navigation pane and click on it.
- Access Desktop Properties: Under "This PC," you will see links to your user folders, including "Desktop". Right-click on the Desktop folder icon and select Properties from the context menu.
- Go to the Location Tab: In the Desktop Properties window that appears, click on the Location tab. This tab shows the current path of your Desktop folder.
- Move the Folder: On the Location tab, click the Move... button.
- Choose a New Location: A file browser window will open. Navigate to the new desired location for your Desktop folder. This can be a folder on another drive (like
D:\) or partition. You can even create a new folder specifically for your Desktop files if you wish (e.g.,D:\MyDesktop). - Confirm the New Location: Select the target folder and click Select Folder.
- Apply Changes: Back in the Properties window, the path in the Location field will update to your new chosen location. Click Apply.
- Confirm File Transfer: Windows will ask if you want to move all files from the old location to the new location. Clicking Yes is recommended to ensure your existing Desktop files appear in the new location.
- Complete the Process: Windows will then proceed to move the files. This may take some time depending on the number and size of the files on your Desktop. Once complete, click OK in the Properties window.
Why Relocate Your Desktop?
- Save Space on C: Drive: Move large files off your primary system drive.
- Data Management: Keep your Desktop files separate from the operating system files.
- Backup Strategies: Easily include your Desktop files in backups of a specific drive or partition.
Summary of Key Steps
| Step | Action | Reference Source |
|---|---|---|
| Access Properties | Right-click Desktop under This PC and select Properties. | Provided Ref. 1 |
| Go to Location Tab | Select the Location tab. | Provided Ref. 2 |
| Initiate Move | Click Move to change the system default save location. | Provided Ref. 2 |
| Select New Path | Browse and select the desired folder for the new Desktop location. | - |
| Confirm and Apply | Click Apply and confirm the transfer of existing files. | - |
By following these steps, you can successfully change where Windows stores your Desktop files.
