shell: commands open hidden system folders instantly — via Mauro Huculak, Pureinfotech

Tricklow riskWindows 11Windows 10

Typing shell: followed by a folder name in Win+R or the File Explorer address bar opens special folders that are otherwise buried, such as your Startup folder, the Send To menu folder, or a folder of every installed app.

Takes effect right away

How to do it

  1. shell:startup: your Startup folder (shortcuts here run when you sign in). shell:common startup is the one for all users.
  2. shell:sendto: add or remove items in the right-click → Send to menu.
  3. shell:appsfolder: every installed app, including Store apps. You can drag one to the desktop to make a shortcut.
  4. shell:recyclebinfolder, shell:fonts, shell:downloads: Recycle Bin, Fonts and Downloads.

Sources

Source reviewed
2026-11-02
Link checked
2026-11-02
Tested hands-on
Not by Oddbyte.Me

Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every Windows build, so keep the undo handy.

shell commandsstartup foldersendtoappsfolderrun

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