Windows shell folders vs user shell folders In this key a value is specified that says not to use this registry key: Name:… Sep 13, 2022 · This tutorial will show you how to move or restore the default location of the Videos folder for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11. I've looked in the windows registry, because I know that long time ago I changed some things in there to move my shell folders to my D: drive. How to Change the Default Location of User Folders in Windows 11/10 Changing the default location of user folders in Windows 10 and Windows 11 can significantly enhance your experience on the platform, especially for users who require more efficient use of drive space or those who utilize multiple drives. On Windows, network shares typically lack Recycle Bin support. A shell command can be used in Jul 16, 2021 · Check "The folder metaphor" section at Wikipedia. I'd like to create a . The suggested code does not work on any of my PCs with various Windows versions as I changed Mar 7, 2022 · HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders Here is a list of the six (6) personal folders, the registry key, and the default value. Windows internet explorer cookies. Change only the keys for the folders you are having problems with. Jul 23, 2025 · Windows PowerShell is a powerful command-line shell and scripting language designed for system administrators, IT professionals, and power users to automate tasks, manage system configurations, and enhance productivity. Create the new folder first then select its path in the File explorer address bar so you can cut & paste to avoid typos. As of Windows Vista, those folders are referenced by a new set of GUID values called Known Folder IDs. Here, I made you . Profiles that havent been accessed in 90 days or more get deleted. I use this stub to point towards my actual dotfiles, which I store outside of OneDrive (via Chezmoi). This does not include the OneDrive folder. Click on Target tab (in Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98 or earlier) or Location tab (in Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8. May 26, 2024 · But I don't know how to restore my default shell folders. However, setting the location of shell folders like Downloads or Music (found in the User folder) to a network location enables Recycle Bin functionality for the network drive. Address: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders In Windows, each user account has associated personal folders, typically known as My Documents, My Music and so on. This tutorial assumes you have previously relocated folders, and allows you to reverse that. This can occur if the user shell folders are currently using their known folder GUID. EG shell:appsfolder @For /f "tokens=1* delims=" %%A in ('reg query HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderDescriptions /f name /v name /s ^| findstr /c:"Name" ^| Sort') Do @Echo %%A pause And gives output like Name REG_SZ 3D Objects Name REG_SZ AccountPictures Name REG_SZ When viewed in Windows Explorer, "My documents" folder is located under "Desktop" hierarchically. Application object, including file operations, special folders, and more. Nov 11, 2024 · The location of the Shell Folders is kept at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders (and at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders\Backup ) One could make a . The Windows shell records each user's personal folders, in the following registry keys. (The synonymous term shell folder is sometimes used instead. If I am not mistaken, I can use both of these types of entries in Shell Folders entries or User Shell Folders entries (or any other subkey). When I moved it back, it merged Desktop with User and now the User Shell Folders in Registry are a bit of a mess. Windows stores the location of per-user special folders under the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders. After some Googling I figured out how to find them in regedit. Jun 16, 2017 · Of course, I can not change the location of my users appdata folder that easily, but for most folders in the user directory, this works perfectly fine. May 2, 2023 · If your intention is to transfer files and folders to a new user account, you should consider simply copying them to that new user account rather than using this tutorial. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders The value for the path of the All Jul 28, 2023 · Windows Explorer Even if you delete the Documents or Pictures folder in the OneDrive directory, they will always come back, even when you uninstall OneDrive completely. Feb 12, 2025 · Learn how to open and manage the Windows Startup folder effectively, optimize boot performance, and explore alternatives like Task Scheduler and Group Policy for advanced control. May 30, 2009 · Hi, the location of a users profile settings is specified in the registry in \Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders\ (Current_Users and Users). This has been a feature in Windows since at least Windows 7 if not Vista or even XP. This allows for a script to do something to files from a user that normally would be locked but aren't in this case, such as backups. Explore the benefits of this unique approach and say goodbye to cluttered user folders. ps1 script in C:\Users\Name\Documents will also make it run every time PowerShell starts, but I haven't been able to get that to work either. For one user, make changes manually to the Dec 23, 2022 · I like this answer. The point of the whole question is that the Downloads folder, like the Documents folder and many others, can be anywhere. Working with files, folders and registry keys This sample only applies to Windows platforms. It tells what the user folder is, where it is, and answers whether and how to rename, move, or delete the Windows user folder. Sep 10, 2020 · We have set years ago folder redirection, but the location has changed. To add Recycle Bin support without altering the default shell folders, I created this script. May 19, 2010 · The following registry key contains many system default folder locations. Here, you can enter the correct path if it was moved. As for shell:UsersFilesFolder - this works for me FWIW, suggesting something is amiss. Apr 14, 2021 · 1 Brink mentioned your Pictures folder being collocated with the Documents folder. Now we get errors from users showing that the old location is still applied, not matter what gpupdate /force you run on the machine The issue is known and described here and shows that some registry keys are pointing to the older location. and MS Server OS other! The shell folder commands is also supported in Run-Command! Windows PowerShell execution policies let you determine the conditions under which Windows PowerShell loads configuration files and runs scripts. I have found out how to add right-click context menu items to files on Windows Explorer, by adding keys to the registry. Anyone really familiar with "Shell Folders" and "User Shell Folders" registry entries located under Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer? They… Feb 1, 2023 · Tried to move some files between drives to free up space on C. May 17, 2019 · I am trying to create a script that looks for all user profiles. Jun 29, 2022 · Basically there was a Folder redirection policy in place that changed Documets (Personal) My Pictures and My Music to point to a users home Drive path \\MYFILESERVER\\my. These special folders do not work in all language locales, a preferred method is to query the value from User Shell folders like this example vbscript. ) The My Documents Folder / Directory Path! The default folder path location current user is shell:UsersFilesFolder to open all User Profiles Data please use the command shell:UserProfiles Please start the MS - Explorer in Windows 10, for example via keyboard shortcut Windows-Logo + E and enter in the Address-Bar (Alt + D) the address shell:UsersFilesFolder and for all use shell:UserProfiles Jul 21, 2022 · For us, we also had to have delete the User Shell Folder so that it reset where the profile paths are for each user. Special or shell folder in windows Shell folders in Windows are specific folders that are used as the default location for specific file types. If you delete it from the user hive, it will rebuild using what is set in AD. Not sure what to do from here. Once you get the "values have been merged successfully" message, restart your computer. Feb 20, 2012 · Summary: Microsoft Scripting Guy Ed Wilson shows the easy way to use Windows PowerShell to work with the paths to special folders. Anything you place in the desktop folder will show on every user’s desktop, and everything you place in the startup folder will run when any user logs into the system. Jan 31, 2022 · Specifies unique, system-independent values that identify special folders. Then you can double-click on the Shell:AppsFolder shortcut to open the Applications folder to view all apps in your system. Dec 3, 2020 · Look at page Windows 10/11 User Shell Folders Restore Default Paths if you want to know more about the user shell folders. ini file in that folder to specify different options. A PowerShell script written for public usage should get the path for the downloads folder from the registry and do not expect that the current user uses the default folder path. May 9, 2025 · The Command Prompt and PowerShell let you open Files or Folders. More information, you may refer to "Configuration of the My Documents folder". These steps can help users with storage management, returning Nov 23, 2023 · Local Startup folder vs. Nov 3, 2021 · This text provides a guide for restoring the default location of folders in the home directories of Windows 11. It states: There is a difference between a directory, which is a file system concept, and the graphical user interface metaphor that is used to represent it (a folder). Apr 29, 2019 · "Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders\Personal" has been changed to "D:\Users [user]\OneDrive\Documents", so has the "Documents Properties" and all works well, even OneDrive is correctly syncing. - You can use the same method to Nov 23, 2023 · Local Startup folder vs. - You can use the same method to Oct 28, 2014 · Windows Explorer lets you view folders, which are containers in the shell namespace. . Registry Configuration:- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders Press Window + R, then type Shell: folder shortcut, then press enter. JSON, CSV, XML, etc. When dealing with the PowerShell FileSystem provider, an Item might be a file, a folder, or the PowerShell drive. Directories are one type of folder, namely, folders which correspond to file system locations. These folders are frequently used by applications but which may not have the same name or location on any given system. Apr 23, 2025 · Discover the ideal organization strategy for your computer files with the user shell folders priority. To launch the Documents folder of your user profile, you’d type shell:Personal. Sep 21, 2006 · A few clarifications please: 1) I'm still not clear on the difference between the Shell Folders and User Shell Folders; I do understand the difference between the REG_SZ and the REG_EXPAND_SZ. Hi, hat hier jemand Plan von dem im Subject genannten Thema? Ich habe hier per Richtlinie alle Verzeichnisse, die in User Shell Folders aufgefuehrt sind, auf Serververzeichnisse umgebogen (ausser Cookies, History, Cache und so), also praktisch die "Ordnerumleitung" erweitert, weil hier permanent alle User auf wechselnden - und teilweise gleichzeitig auf mehreren - Maschinen angemeldet sind und Nov 12, 2023 · To access the Startup folder on Windows 10, press Windows+R and enter “shell:startup” into the Run window. Sep 13, 2021 · Locate to Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders, then find the "Personal" value. Learn those PowerShell commands here. On the file system, by default, "Desktop" and "My documents" directories are siblings, being children of the user profile directory. Dec 27, 2023 · Luckily, Windows PowerShell provides command line tools that can rapidly compare two folders and reveal precisely which files differ. Hey, Scripting Guy! I notice that in lots of your sample scripts, you often use a folder named FSO, and it appears off of your C: drive. It's very annoying and I really want to fix it by moving the user folder or Users folder. Sep 3, 2017 · Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\Run Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StartupApproved\Startu pFolder Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run How can I force windows to detect/use the startup folder? Sep 9, 2016 · Here is a list of CLSID (GUID) shell locations available in Windows 10 Anniversary Update. I don't mind syncing this one file to OneDrive :) PowerShell is a cross-platform (Windows, Linux, and macOS) automation tool and configuration framework optimized for dealing with structured data (e. - You can alter the User shell folders Registry entry to put the Pictures folder somewhere else. 1, 10 or later). PowerShell, Microsoft’s task automation framework, simplifies this with its robust cmdlets. e. Feb 26, 2023 · Geek Blog - Computer tips and how-to articles - Learn how to change the default location for user files in Windows manually. Add a shortcut in the Startup folder to launch a program when your PC starts. Jul 25, 2023 · I uninstalled OneDrive, but Windows still insists on automatically creating these folders after I delete them. Click Restore Default button. Mar 11, 2020 · For example, “shell:common desktop” or “shell:common startup” will take you to the public desktop and public startup folders, respectively. Feb 13, 2023 · I don't like playing in the registry, but even after following a tutorial and fixing, some folders could be moved and some couldn't. I can right-click on a file in Explorer and run a custom app against that Feb 22, 2024 · Want to get Folder size (including subdirectories) instantly no matter how large on Windows PC? Use PowerShell as shown in this post. Aug 9, 2023 · I have a local user on a Windows 2019 Server, myuser, but no home folder AKA C:\Users\myuser. But its a long time ago and I don't really know what I did anymore. Read on to master directory comparisons on Windows! Use Cases: When Folder Comparisons Are Handy Before jumping into the how-to, let‘s explore a few common scenarios where comparing directories comes in handy: Confirming Backups 79% of PC users have lost Mar 11, 2024 · One can quickly open the Startup folder in Windows 10/11 by typing Shell:Startup in the Run command box and pressing the Enter key. Find the folder path, how to add programs, differences from Windows 10, all-users startup folder, benefits, and fun batch file activity. vbs Dim objShell Dim strPath May 4, 2015 · I would love to, but can't do a . 2. I also want to delete their folders from C:\\Users to free up hdd Sep 28, 2024 · Windows 10 shell items are metadata files that hold details about various objects in the Windows operating system, including shortcuts, files, and folders. For example, the command shell:sendto opens the “Send To” folder of your user profile. Feb 8, 2022 · File system folders are commonly displayed with a standard icon and set of properties, which specify, for instance, whether the folder is shared. Type a name for the shortcut like Apps or Applications and click Finish to create a shortcut for the Windows Applications folder. By default, Windows 11 organizes specific folders—like Documents, Pictures, Music Jan 7, 2021 · The Windows UI provides users with access to a wide variety of objects necessary to run applications and manage the operating system. Nov 25, 2007 · Right click on the user shell folder that you want to revert back to original default folder location in the Start Menu or Windows Explorer or desktop icon, and then click Properties. Sep 13, 2024 · We learn what shell commands are and how to use them in Windows 10 and 11, shortcuts for quickly accessing folders and system functions Nov 6, 2020 · The path with just PowerShell is for powershell core. For example, the system folder can be "C:\Windows" on one system and "C:\Winnt" on another. Aug 7, 2014 · • Expanded the types of shell objects and folders tracked by ShellBags, including better support for virtual folders and library views introduced in Windows 7. Why do you do this? Is […] Other googling has told me that storing a profile. If I navigate all the way from the drive root in order to avoid getting into this shell location, they're still here. Jun 7, 2021 · This command lists shell folders. Mar 27, 2025 · In this article, you learn how to redirect users' Documents folders or other known folders to OneDrive. Describes how to redirect user shell folders by using Profile Maker. Mar 29, 2016 · Normally, the general syntax of the Shell Commands looks something like this “shell:friendly-folder-name” Note: To enter the shell commands you need to open Run (Press Windows key + R) Example: To add or remove entries to the “Send to” option of the right click, type the following command “ Shell:SendTo” in your run and hit enter. Can Windows do this? Let’s look at this as an example case for redirecting special Windows shell folders. Returns: strMyPath : The full path to the special folder returns NULL if the folder is not available. You can also use a Group Policy setting to set execution policy for computers and users. The Videos folder (shell:My Video) is a component of the user profile that is used as a unified location for storing personal data. Shell: folder shortcuts Shell folder shortcuts can be used directly in the Windows File Explorer Address bar: shell:Desktop or from the Start Menu: Start Run shell:Desktop Unless indicated otherwise, all the shortcuts above work in all versions of Windows from Vista upwards. Mar 15, 2022 · Shell commands on Windows 11 give you quick access to folder locations, and here's the complete list to use in Run or File Explorer. I just want to make sure that I can change the shell folder's data under "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders" back to "%USERPROFILE%\Documents" without messing up my computer or files. Lists some user shell folders that can be redirected by using corresponding registry entries. Global (all-user) Startup folder As mentioned earlier, there are two Startup Folders in the Windows OS which the users can access. From there, you can right-click folders like Desktop Jan 20, 2022 · The keys in question are named Local AppData and AppData, which are located under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders. Nov 2, 2017 · Problem: Default folder redirection rules are not redirecting user shell folders. The table below highlights the difference between the two Describes how to redirect user shell folders by using Profile Maker. Just run in the current user security context. One is the local, or per-user Startup folder, while the other is the global, or all-user Startup folder. If I go to the folder from "This PC", the old location is used. Apr 24, 2022 · Do you want to delete a folder with PowerShell, but don't know how? Learn how to delete folders and files with over 20 examples. “HKCU\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\User Shell Folders How-to: Get or Set Special Folders with PowerShell A pair of PowerShell functions (Get-KnownFolderPath and Set-KnownFolderPath) that simplify reading and writing Special Known Folder locations for the current user, Desktop, Documents, Pictures Videos etc. NOTE: Perform profile backups, first! Feb 15, 2022 · 什么是 Windows Shell Windows Shell 是 Windows 操作系统的用户界面。具体地说，用户在登录后看到的桌面、开始菜单、任务栏，以及打开资源管理器看到的操作界面都属于 Windows Shell 的一部分。Windows Shell 实现了一套树形组织结构，称作 Shell Namespace。它包含两种基础对象，即「文件」和「文件夹」， 「桌面 Apr 13, 2015 · The location for the shell folders is HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders You’d use the Get-ItemProperty and Set-ItemProperty cmdlets to manipulate those values. Learn how these folders enhance productivity, simplify navigation, and boost efficiency. Download and double-click the file to integrate into the registry. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders The value for the path of the All Jan 20, 2022 · The keys in question are named Local AppData and AppData, which are located under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders. After restarting explorer, the folders are moved as expected in Quick access only. Jul 26, 2021 · Windows Vista introduces new storage scenarios and a new user profile namespace. Basically, the script will loop through directories and add the ACLs to a dictionary where the Keys are each IdentityReference and the Values are the properties from the ACLs which you're interested on (FileSystemRights and AccessControlType) in addition Apr 4, 2025 · Learn about VBScript Shell. But if there is a space crunch in the C: drive, what users do is they change/move the personal folder to another drive other than the C drive. PowerShell uses the noun Item to refer to items found on a PowerShell drive. reg file which I can use to update the locations of these folders rather than manually changing them from the UI, but I don't want to rely on the path to the home folder being the same each time. The table below highlights the difference between the two Oct 1, 2024 · What are the known folder paths returned by SHGetKnownFolderPath on Windows 11 using OneDrive's Known Folder Move Feature? Aug 25, 2021 · This tutorial will show you a complete list of shell commands that can be used to easily open or create shortcuts of specific shell folders in Windows 11. To address these new factors, the older system of referring to standard folders by a CSIDL value has been replaced. ), REST APIs, and object models. Shell folders in Windows are specific folders that are used as the default location for specific file types. You can set an execution policy for the local computer, for the current user, or for a particular session. Aug 15, 2022 · PowerShell users can employ several commands to navigate the Windows folder structure. I have tested a batch file on my machine that reverts those values back to default, I have Sep 7, 2020 · However, you'll still be able to access the folder the same way you did before you redirected it. Application-specific data. reg file for the "Shell Folder" location since it's data values must use the full path with user name instead of with a variable like the "User Shell Folder" location. 5 days ago · Learn everything about the Startup Folder in Windows 11. While the User Profile will always be in c:\Users\simoco, the Documents folder can easily be moved to d:\stuff. Provides an example of how to redirect the "My Documents" folder to a specified path. You can customize the appearance and behavior of an individual folder by creating a Desktop. Use it for reference when required. , including all subdirectories) is a common task for system administrators and power users. A shell command can be used in Best way to mass edit user shell folders in registry? More details inside I have an issue with a legacy folder redirect where most but not all user shell folders are setup for redirection. Mar 13, 2024 · Whether these shortcuts are built using friendly names or require unique registry keys, understanding shell folders is crucial in enhancing Windows navigation. Use with the shell: command in Run dialog. Possible Resolution(s): Reg Oct 18, 2018 · To correct this, and provide one less reason for users' free OneDrive space to be completely and unnecessarily consumed, I propose that the Documents\PowerShell folder for PowerShell Core on Windows be moved and renamed to ${env:USERPROFILE}\. Jul 2, 2021 · I found out that reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders" /f /v Personal /t REG_EXPAND_SZ /d "C:\users\JatonJustice\desktop\testfolder" works but when you are using an azure domain account or an amazon workspace account, the registry location for the user shell folders will be in a different place you can verify the user location of the Jun 15, 2020 · Having issues with redirected folders? Need to restore user profile folders back to their original paths? This is a script I wrote to fix broken or stuck redirected folders. In a library, the folders and files appear to the user as a single collection and, using the Shell Library API, the library's contents can also appear to be in a single location to a program. Nov 17, 2017 · In Windows 10 I just ran into following problem: When using Shift+Right-click to start the powershell within some folder, I always get an error if the folder name contains two consecutive spaces. Make sure its data value is C:\Users<user name>\Documents. g. Examples Return the full path to the Windows Desktop: ' findDesktop. Command Line Jul 10, 2025 · If you accidentally merged User folders, like the Downloads Library with another drive or folder in Windows 11/10, you can unmerge the folders and restore them back to default. The process involves using File Explorer, inserting a specific command into the address bar, selecting a folder, and opting for 'Restore Default' in the folder properties. Apr 26, 2015 · Here's a little list of Windows shell:folder commands for Windows 11, 10, etc. For example, Microsoft Windows uses the concept of special folders to help present the contents of the computer to the user in a fairly consistent way that frees the user from Best way to mass edit user shell folders in registry? More details inside I have an issue with a legacy folder redirect where most but not all user shell folders are setup for redirection. Handy shortcuts to just about any Windows system folder Jan 30, 2017 · It looks to me like folder redirection edits the following two registry keys to point folders to a different location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders First off, confused why its also editing Shell Folders? Aug 13, 2019 · 5 I changed the location of a user's personal folders to a mounted network drive, by modifying the values under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders. However some programs (including Unreal Engine) is still using "C:\Users [user]\Documents" Is there any way to fix this or has Epic and otehrs Jun 19, 2023 · Geeks can manually navigate to Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders and Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders, right-click on the folder that's moved and select Modify. These items are invaluable for forensic investigations because they provide insights into the location and usage of these objects. Note: The entries in this subkey can appear in both the Shell Folders subkey and the User Shell Folders and in both HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and HKEY_CURRENT_USER. I preferably want to use native PowerShell to create the folder, but if there is some kind of exe file I Jul 31, 2022 · The shell: protocol can be used to open a special folder directly from the Start → Search or the Run dialog. Once you sign back in, you'll see your user folders in the original C:\users\Username folder. Aug 5, 2012 · Description: The User Shell Folders subkey stores the paths to Windows Explorer folders for the current user of the computer. Edit the paths and/or create the values as necessary. Aug 5, 2025 · This is a complete guide about the user folder on Windows 10/11. Apr 26, 2022 · The script can be configured to launch on startup for any user, not just yours, and even before the user is logged in, although it cannot do anything in the user's context then. Jan 23, 2022 · I'm running into a problem where my user library folders such as C:\Users\Midas\Videos and C:\Users\Midas\Documents are disappearing in the shell representation of my user folder. powershell. Includes FAQs, schema, and internal links. Nov 19, 2021 · How can I get Windows special folders like My Documents, Desktop, etc. Special folder On Microsoft Windows, a special folder is a folder that is presented to the user through an interface as an abstract concept instead of an absolute folder path. Then locate the Personal folders settings per user are stored in the User Shell Folders with the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders 3. Change the data value to the new folder where you want the data to be stored in May 23, 2022 · This article explains how to Here is how you can easily fix merged user folders in Windows 11 and Windows 10 using Registry edit by restoring the respective path. I have some screenshots but the forums don't allow me to post them. Feb 4, 2022 · I tested this with a few folders setting up different ACLs with my own user and it seem to be working but I haven't tested enough to be sure. ) May 3, 2010 · 0 I'm working on re-arranging a number of the shell folders in windows 7 to utilize Dropbox to keep a set of machines in sync. Start that program and browse to: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders In that folder, there is an entry with this name: {374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B} That entry should be set to the location of your Downloads folder, usually: C:\Users\ [username]\Downloads There is another entry here: Dec 28, 2021 · In the registry, under: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders Verify that you have values named: {374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B} {7d83ee9b-2244-4e70-b1f5-5393042af1e4} And that the data for both values is the path to your reciredcted Downloads folder. Understand how to use it effectively with practical examples. The most numerous and familiar of these objects are the folders and files that reside on computer disk drives. name\\Documets etc this policy also changed the Shell Folder values to the home drive path for the 3 folders values I have mentioned. I didn't want to change my Personal Known Folder; I just wanted to keep my dotfiles repo outside of OneDrive since it's slow to sync git files on new machines. reg file to change a batch at once, though that script would need to be run by each user. Mar 9, 2022 · HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders Find the Startup string, right click on it and modify the path with the correct one: Aug 25, 2021 · This tutorial will show you a complete list of shell commands that can be used to easily open or create shortcuts of specific shell folders in Windows 11. Windows gets awkward whenever two user folders are collocated. Click OK. Once you are done editing the registry, log out or restart your computer for the changes to take effect. By default, the Videos Jul 20, 2015 · 1. Jan 21, 2024 · HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders But, these are not taking any effect to actual locations of the special folders. reg file to reset your User Shell Folders back to default settings. The Known Folder system provides these advantages: Independent software vendors (ISVs) can Jun 21, 2022 · In the Create Shortcut window, type Explorer Shell:AppsFolder and click Next. Normally you would be able to change the default paths of these User Shell Folders by right clicking on one of them in Windows Explorer, selecting Properties and then Location. The scripts folder is where scripts are installed when using Install-Script The path for Windows Powershell scripts is \user\documents\WindowsPowershell\Scripts Jul 11, 2020 · 5 Why not read this information where it is registered directly in the Windows registry: HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders Jul 29, 2022 · By default, the location of the personal folders is stored in the C: drive when the windows OS is being installed on any system. Feb 10, 2022 · I am having an issue which is: by default, the user file location should be: C:\Users&lt;username>, but mine is C:\Users\Users&lt;username>. Dec 14, 2019 · Note that the name is correct in cmd, just not in Explorer: I changed these values in the registry in: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders and all other similar keys. Enter “shell:common startup” to view the startup folder for all users on the PC. Learn how to open them using the command line in Windows 11/10. from my Python script? Do I need win32 extensions? It must work on Windows 2000 to Windows 7. PowerShell includes a command-line shell, object-oriented scripting language, and a set of tools for executing scripts/cmdlets and managing modules. Alongside that, it’s always The windows operating system stores user profile information in a User Shell Folders. Ended up transferring the entire Desktop Shell to D. How I can change it programmatically? I have tried to change it like this in registry. Jan 7, 2021 · Users can group related folders together in a library even if those folders are stored on different hard drives or different computers. This is the location data I used: Code: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders Sep 19, 2024 · There are too many apps creating folder in Documents. Apr 23, 2024 · On a Mac, taking a screenshot instantly places a picture file on your desktop. If I keep the folder WindowsPowerShell in my Documents folder, and if I make it hidden, the scripts won’t work. One of the essential aspects of personalizing your user experience is the management of user folders. Jan 24, 2025 · How to Move Default User Folders on Windows 11 Windows 11, the latest iteration of Microsoft’s operating system, continues the legacy of its predecessors while introducing novel features and improvements. Dec 18, 2023 · PowerShell uses the noun Location to refer to the working directory, and implements a family of cmdlets to examine and manipulate your location. This tutorial will show you how to restore your personal folders back to the default location in your C:\Users\ (user-name) profile folder in Windows 10. I. Nov 15, 2025 · Whether you’re auditing file systems, preparing backups, or organizing data, listing files and folders recursively (i. Both of these serve different purposes and are at different locations.