In today’s digital world, managing storage effectively becomes paramount, especially with the constant influx of new data and files. For Windows users, there’s an added layer of flexibility that comes with the operating system. Windows 11/10 offers a unique feature where users can alter the default location of their personal folders such as Desktop, Pictures, Downloads, Documents, and more. What’s even more intriguing is that even after you’ve redirected a folder from its default location to a new one, accessing its content remains as seamless as before; it’s as if the folder’s location never changed! This is a boon for those who frequently find their main partition running out of space, as it allows the migration of large folders to more spacious sections of the drive. If you’re looking to harness this feature, either to change or restore folder locations, this risewindows guide has got you covered, walking you through the entire process.
How to Move Default Location of Personal Folders on Windows 11 or 10?
As previously noted, when you move the default location of personal folders on Windows 11/10, the contents are also transferred to your chosen new location. However, you can still access them just as you did before. If you’re running low on storage or, for some reason, you wish to clear the Windows 11 installation drive, follow these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, launch the Run command box using the Windows + R keys.
Step 2. Now, type the following and hit Enter from the keyboard to view all personal folder items:-
shell:UsersFilesFolder
Step 3. Then, please select a folder by clicking on it to move to a new location. For example, we want to move the Documents folder to a new path.
Step 4. After that, right-click on the selected folder and choose the Properties option.
Step 5. On the Properties dialog, select the Location tab and then click the Move button.
Step 6. Next, select the destination folder and click the Select Folder button.
Step 7. Then, click Apply in the Properties window.
Step 8. Again, click the Yes button to move all files to a new folder.
Step 9. Finally, click the OK button to exit from the Properties window.
Now, your selected personal folder contents have been moved to a new location. But you can still access your documents from the old spot.
That’s it.
How to Restore Default Location of Personal Folders on Windows 11 or 10?
As mentioned earlier, moving the default location of personal folders on Windows 11/10 also transfers their contents to your new chosen location. Nonetheless, you can still access them just as you did before. If you’re running low on storage or if you previously relocated personal folder items for a specific reason and now wish to restore them to their original location, follow these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, launch the Run command box using the Windows + R keys.
Step 2. Now, type the following and hit Enter from the keyboard to view all personal folder items:-
shell:UsersFilesFolder
Step 3. Then, please select a folder by clicking on it to restore it to its original location. For example, we moved the Documents folder earlier to a new path, and now I want to restore it to its original location.
Step 4. After that, right-click on the selected folder and click the Properties option.
Step 5. Then, select the Location tab on the Properties window and click the Restore Default button.
Step 6. Next, choose the Apply button.
Step 7. Now, click the Yes button in the “Create Folder” dialog.
Step 8. Then, in the upcoming window, select Yes.
Step 9. At last, click the OK button to exit from the Properties window.
After completing the above steps, it should restore the folder to its default location.
Conclusion
In the digital age, effective storage management is crucial. Windows 11/10 offers a beneficial feature allowing users to shift the default location of personal folders. Not only does this help in efficiently managing space, especially if the main drive is running low, but it also ensures that folder accessibility remains unchanged post relocation. This guide elucidates the process to both move and restore personal folders on Windows 11/10, ensuring a streamlined storage management experience for users.
