How to Change Jupyter Notebook Default Directory in Anaconda (Windows Guide)

Setting up a custom folder for saving Jupyter Notebooks in Anaconda is crucial for efficient project management, especially if you use multiple drives on Windows.

By default, Jupyter Notebooks open in the C: drive. However, you can easily change the default directory to your preferred folder, such as a Python Projects folder in your E: drive. This not only keeps your work organized but also improves workflow efficiency.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to change the Jupyter Notebook default directory in Anaconda.

Why Change the Jupyter Notebook Directory?

Changing the default Jupyter Notebook directory offers several advantages:

📂 Organize projects on your preferred drive

🔒 Save notebooks away from system files for easier backup

👨‍💻 Enable team collaboration on shared drives

⚡ Improve workflow efficiency for data scientists and developers

Step 1 – Generate Jupyter Notebook Configuration File

1. Open Anaconda Prompt.
2. Enter the following command:

jupyter notebook --generate-config

✔ This will create a file named jupyter_notebook_config.py in your profile directory, typically located at:

C:\Users\<your username>\.jupyter\

Step 2 – Edit the Configuration File to Set Default Directory

Navigate to: C:\Users\<your username>\.jupyter\

Open jupyter_notebook_config.py with Notepad or another text editor.

Search for this line (use Ctrl + F):

#c.NotebookApp.notebook_dir = ''

Uncomment the line by removing #, then set the path to your desired folder. Example:

c.NotebookApp.notebook_dir = 'E:/MyProjects'

⚠ Important: Use forward slashes (/) or double backslashes (\\) for Windows compatibility.

• Save the file.

Step 3 – Launch Jupyter Notebook from the New Default Folder

1. Open Anaconda Prompt.
2. Start Jupyter Notebook with the command:

jupyter notebook

Now, Jupyter Notebook will launch directly from your specified folder (e.g., E:/MyProjects), allowing you to save and access notebooks in your preferred directory.

✅ FAQs about Jupyter Notebook Default Directory

Q1: Can I set multiple default directories in Jupyter Notebook?

No, Jupyter Notebook supports only one default startup directory. However, you can navigate manually to other folders after launching.

Q2: Will changing the default directory affect existing notebooks?

No, existing notebooks will remain in their original location. Only new sessions start in the updated folder.

Q3: Can I set the Jupyter Notebook default directory on other drives (D, F, etc.)?

Yes, you can specify any drive or folder path, such as D:/DataScienceProjects.

Q4: What if my custom path has spaces in it?

Use quotes around the path, for example:

c.NotebookApp.notebook_dir = "E:/My Projects"

Q5: Do I need admin rights to change the Jupyter Notebook directory?

No, admin rights are not required. You only need permission to access the folder you want to use.

Q6: How do I reset Jupyter Notebook back to the default C drive?

Simply comment out or delete the custom directory line in jupyter_notebook_config.py.

Changing the Jupyter Notebook default directory in Anaconda is a simple yet powerful way to streamline your workflow. By setting a custom folder (such as an E:/MyProjects directory), you can keep projects organized, improve efficiency, and collaborate more effectively.