Windows shell: commands provide a quick and efficient way to open specific system folders directly. These commands can be used in the Run dialog (Win + R) or in the address bar of File Explorer, allowing users to navigate to important directories without having to click through multiple levels of folders. Below is a list of some useful shell: commands along with the Windows version in which they were introduced or are available:
| Command | Description | Windows Version |
|---|---|---|
shell:Startup | Opens the user’s Startup folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:Common Startup | Opens the All Users Startup folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:Desktop | Opens the user’s Desktop folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:Common Desktop | Opens the shared Desktop folder for all users. | Windows XP and later |
shell:Personal | Opens the user’s Documents folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:My Pictures | Opens the user’s Pictures folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:My Music | Opens the user’s Music folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:My Video | Opens the user’s Videos folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:Downloads | Opens the user’s Downloads folder. | Windows Vista and later |
shell:Recent | Opens the user’s Recent Items folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:SendTo | Opens the user’s SendTo folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:Programs | Opens the Programs folder in the Start Menu. | Windows XP and later |
shell:Common Programs | Opens the shared Programs folder in Start Menu. | Windows XP and later |
shell:ControlPanelFolder | Opens the Control Panel. | Windows XP and later |
shell:AppData | Opens the user’s AppData folder. | Windows Vista and later |
shell:Local AppData | Opens the user’s LocalAppData folder. | Windows Vista and later |
shell:Common AppData | Opens the ProgramData folder. | Windows Vista and later |
shell:Windows | Opens the Windows installation folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:System | Opens the System32 folder. | Windows XP and later |
shell:Profile | Opens the user’s profile folder. | Windows Vista and later |
shell:Common Documents | Opens the shared Documents folder. | Windows XP and later |