How to Get to My Computer on Windows 8

Last Updated: July 5, 2022

This PC (called Computer in Windows 8), a feature of File Explorer, allows you to view all of the hard disk drives, disc drives, removable devices, etc. that are connected to your computer. This article describes how to access This PC.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

1
Press ⊞ Win+E. This will automatically open the File Explorer window.
2
Click "This PC" or "Computer" in the navigation pane. The pane is located in the left-hand side of the Explorer window (you may need to scroll down a bit to see '"This PC" it if you have a lot of folders).

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Windows Search

1
Open the Start screen. Press the ⊞ Win key.
- You can also click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner of your desktop (Windows 8.1 users).
2
Type "This PC" if you have Windows 8.1, or "Computer" if you have Windows 8. The Search bar will open.
3
Click the first result.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Adding the Icon to the Taskbar

1
Open File Explorer. Press ⊞ Win+E on your keyboard.
2
Create a shortcut to This PC/Computer on your desktop. Drag "This PC" or "Computer" in the navigation pane of File Explorer (located on the left side of the window) to your desktop background to create a shortcut.
3
Create a shortcut to This PC/Computer on your taskbar. Drag the "This PC" or "Computer" shortcut on your desktop to the taskbar to create a shortcut.
4
Click the icon to open This PC/Computer.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Adding the Icon to the Desktop

1
Right click anywhere on the desktop.
2
Select the Personalize option from the dropdown. This option is usually at the bottom of the menu and will bring up the personalization window.
3
Change the desktop icons. Click on Change Desktop Icons in the upper left-hand corner of the window.
4
Select Computer or "This PC" and click OK. You will now see the icon on the desktop. Double click the icon to see your hard drive.
5
Double click the icon to open This PC/Computer.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I restore my Windows 8 computer to factory settings and find my drive partition without the password?

Community Answer

If you want to factory reset your Windows 8 computer hold Shift while pressing Restart. Then you can click the troubleshoot button and reset your PC.
Question

How do I run Windows 8 on my HP laptop?

Community Answer

You would need a disc or bootable USB with Windows 8 on it. You would also need a product key to install it.
Question

My Hp 17in touchscreen came with windows 8, windows 7 was purchased and put on the computer. How do I get 8 back?

Pennywise2

Community Answer

Get a Windows 8 ISO, burn it to a DVD or USB. Plug it in and follow the upgrade process. No files will be lost.