If you recently switched from Windows to Mac and tried searching for "My Computer" or "This PC" on your MacBook, you didn't find anything. You may be wondering, "Where is the equivalent of "My Computer" on a Mac?" or "How do I explore files on a Mac?" Well, find the answer in this post to find out where "My Computer" or "File Explorer" is on a Mac.
For those unaware, even Windows doesn't have My Computer anymore. It's called This PC now. For now, let's focus on finding My Computer on a Mac. You'll also learn how to access drives and put My Computer on the desktop on a MacBook.
Where is My Computer or File Explorer located on a Mac Book?
Essentially, the equivalent of My Computer is the Finder app on a Mac. The Finder app is the default file management app for Mac, also known as File Explorer. It allows you to view your files, folders, and devices connected to your MacBook, just as you can from This PC on Windows.
Let's learn how to open and use Finder on your MacBook.
How to open Finder on a Mac
You can use these two methods to open My Computer, also known as Finder on Mac.
1. From Dock
The Dock is one of the easiest ways to access the Finder. Click the Finder app (the one with the happy face) in the Dock to open File Explorer on your MacBook.
2. Use a keyboard shortcut
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Command + Space + F To open the Finder on your MacBook. If you want to search for files in the Finder, use a keyboard shortcut. Command + F To open Finder with the search bar already active.
How to Use Finder on a MacBook
Once you open Finder, you will find basic folders like: “Recents”, “Desktop”, “Documents” and “Downloads” and so on, in the left sidebar. You'll also see a shortcut to iCloud Drive and locations such as hard drives or external drives. Click a folder on the left side to open it. Use the options at the top of the Finder window to change the view or sort the file order.
Tip: Learn how to Change the default opening folder on your MacBook.
Here is a brief overview of what each volume contains:
- Latest items: The Recents folder contains your recent files, such as photos, documents, etc., from all apps.
- Applications: You'll see all the installed programs, also known as apps, on your MacBook in Apps. It's similar to iPhone App Library Or App Drawer for Android Where you can find and open installed applications.
- Desktop: The Desktop folder displays the files on your MacBook desktop.
- the documents: It is a public folder to store your files.
- Downloads: The Downloads folder contains all your downloaded files, whether it's an app installation file, an image, or a document you downloaded online.
Tip: Go to File > New Folder Window to open another instance of the Finder window. Also learn how to Using tags in Finder.
How to find drives on a MacBook
Even if you open Finder, it can still be confusing, especially for Windows users who want to find external drives or at least hard drives on their MacBook.
You can also access drives from the Finder, but you'll need to take a few extra steps. Here are some ways to find drives on your MacBook.
1. From the sidebar in Finder
You can access your hard drive and connected devices from the sidebar in the Finder, just like in the sidebar on your Windows computer. You'll find them under the Locations section.
However, if you don't see anything under Location, enable it in Settings as shown below:
Step 1: in Finder, Click Finder in the menu bar and select Settings.
Step 2: Go to the tab Sidebar In the Finder settings window, check the boxes next to your laptop name, hard drives, and external drives.
Close the window, and you'll see all added drives in the Finder sidebar. Click a drive to explore it.
Tip: Learn how to Fix missing sidebar on MacBook.
2. From the menu bar
You can also open drives on your MacBook from the menu bar in Finder.
Step 1: Open Finder Or go to desktop.
Step 2: Click "transmission" in the menu bar and select "Computer" from the list.
Step 3: Here you will find your hard drive and any external drives Connected to MacBook.
3. By right-clicking on Finder
Another way to view your hard drive, external drives, or important folders like Documents is to right-click the Finder icon in the Dock. Then, select the folder you want to navigate to.
How to show My Computer icon on Mac desktop
As you may have understood, there is no computer on a MacBook. You can use Finder as your file manager to explore your MacBook files. Now, if you want to place Finder on your MacBook's desktop, place the hard drive icon on the desktop to open Finder.
Follow these steps to show your hard drive on your Mac desktop:
Step 1: Open Finder Settings By clicking on Finder > Settings in the menu bar.
Step 2: Under the tab general, Check the box next to Hard Disks.
Tip: Check the box next to External Drives to show connected drives on your desktop.
Your hard drive will appear on your desktop.
common questions:
Q1. How do I check My Computer details on my MacBook?
The answer: tap on Apple icon in the menu bar and select About This Mac.
Q2. Can you rename your MacBook hard drive to This Computer?
The answer: If you want to feel like Windows, you can rename your MacBook's hard drive to This PC. Click the hard drive on your desktop and press the button. Enter. Enter a new name for the drive.
Customize files on MAC
Now that you've found the answer to the question Where is My Computer or File Explorer on Mac?, learn how to Customize files and folders. And if you don't like the default Finder app, check out Best Finder Alternatives for MacBook.
