Personalization Add or Remove Folders under This PC in File Explorer in Windows 11


  • Staff
This_PC_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the 3D Objects, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and/or Videos folder(s) under This PC in File Explorer for all users in Windows 11.

Starting with Windows 11 build 25136 and build 22621.160 for some, Microsoft is introducing a refreshed layout of the left navigation pane in File Explorer which makes it easy for you to navigate to folders that matter to you.

Known Windows Folders which are available by default in the navigation pane are no longer displayed as a "Folders" group under This PC to keep that view focused for your PC’s drives.

If you like, you can add the 3D Objects, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and/or Videos folder(s) back under "Folders" in This PC.


You must be signed in as an administrator to add or remove folders under This PC in File Explorer.

This does not affect folders in the navigation pane.



Contents

  • Option One: Add Folders under This PC in File Explorer
  • Option Two: Remove Folders under This PC in File Explorer


EXAMPLE: Add or Remove Folders group under This PC in new File Explorer

This_PC_Folders.png
This_PC_no_Folders_default.png





Option One

Add Folders under This PC in File Explorer


1 Do step 2 (all), step 3 (3D Objects), step 4 (Desktop), step 5 (Documents), step 6 (Downloads), step 7 (Music), step 8 (Pictures), or step 9 (Videos) for the folder(s) you want to add.


 2. Add All Folders to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_all_folders_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; 3D Folders
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]

; Desktop
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

; Documents
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

; Downloads
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

; Music
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

; Pictures
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

; Videos
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-


 3. Add 3D Objects folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_3D_Objects_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]


 4. Add Desktop folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Desktop_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-


 5. Add Documents folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Documents_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-


 6. Add Downloads folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Downloads_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-


 7. Add Music folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Music_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-


 8. Add Pictures folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Pictures_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-


 8. Add Videos folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Videos_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

10 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

11 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

12 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

13 If File Explorer is currently open, then either refresh (F5) or close and reopen File Explorer to apply.

14 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file(s) if you like.




Option Two

Remove Folders under This PC in File Explorer


1 Do step 2 (all), step 3 (3D Objects), step 4 (Desktop), step 5 (Documents), step 6 (Downloads), step 7 (Music), step 8 (Pictures), or step 9 (Videos) for the folder(s) you want to remove.


 2. Remove All Folders from This PC

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_all_folders_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; 3D Folders
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]

; Desktop
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

; Documents
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

; Downloads
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

; Music
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

; Pictures
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

; Videos
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9


 3. Remove 3D Objects folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_3D_Objects_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]


 4. Remove Desktop folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Desktop_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9


 5. Remove Documents folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Documents_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9


 6. Remove Downloads folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Downloads_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9


 7. Remove Music folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Music_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9


 8. Remove Pictures folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Pictures_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9


 8. Remove Videos folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Videos_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

10 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

11 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

12 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

13 If File Explorer is currently open, then either refresh (F5) or close and reopen File Explorer to apply.

14 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file(s) if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

  • This_PC.png
    This_PC.png
    7.6 KB · Views: 149
  • Add_Downloads_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    742 bytes · Views: 242
  • Add_Documents_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    742 bytes · Views: 242
  • Add_Desktop_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    742 bytes · Views: 226
  • Add_all_folders_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    2.7 KB · Views: 324
  • Add_3D_Objects_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    704 bytes · Views: 301
  • Add_Videos_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    742 bytes · Views: 206
  • Add_Pictures_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    742 bytes · Views: 209
  • Add_Music_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    742 bytes · Views: 304
  • Remove_3D_Objects_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    706 bytes · Views: 211
  • Remove_all_folders_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    2.8 KB · Views: 218
  • Remove_Videos_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    768 bytes · Views: 129
  • Remove_Pictures_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    768 bytes · Views: 181
  • Remove_Music_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    768 bytes · Views: 152
  • Remove_Downloads_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    768 bytes · Views: 204
  • Remove_Documents_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    768 bytes · Views: 177
  • Remove_Desktop_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    768 bytes · Views: 120
Last edited:
Hello,
Tested on the newest 2022H2 official release, these no longer work. Was the structure of regedit changed on this newest release?
Thanks in advance
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Hello,
Tested on the newest 2022H2 official release, these no longer work. Was the structure of regedit changed on this newest release?
Thanks in advance

Hello Ion, and welcome. :-)

I just tested on build 25217 version 22H2, but it's still working for me.

Just to note, this doesn't affect the navigation pane. Only in the opened "This PC" window.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Edit 2: I solved the issue by going to the Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}\ShellFolder, right clicking it and clicking Permissions. Then I clicked Advanced, Change (at the top to change the owner), then changed it from SYSTEM to Administrators (just typed "administrators" the box then clicked "Check Names"). Clicked OK, then OK again. Then I clicked on Administrators and checked the Full Control check box on the Allow column, then OK again. I then double clicked on the SortOrderIndex DWORD, and changed it to 0 (was 0x48 (72) initially). Then I reversed the permission changes by right clicking the Key (the ShellFolder folder in the left pane), clicking Permissions, then clicking Administrators and unchecking the Full Control checkbox in the Allow column. Then clicked Advanced, then Change at the top, then typed "SYSTEM" in the text box, then clicked Check Names, then clicked OK, then OK, then OK, and that was it, Desktop is now the first folder as it should be.

Edit 1: unfortunately it seems that the Folders section doesn't respect the Sort by option, however it does respect Ascending vs Descending, and the Group by option. So the question is how to make the Folders section respect the Sort type, however knowing that Microsoft is deprecating the Folders section, maybe the section will be gone for good before this bug gets fixed.

Hello, this works, however there is a new problem. Earlier (before the tabbed layout) the Desktop folder was the first folder (top left) (ignoring 3D Objects folder which I disable). After applying these registry keys, the Desktop folder is now the last folder (bottom right). I don't see any way I could change the order. I tried to add and remove the DWORDS in different orders to no avail. Do you know of any way to make the Desktop folder the first folder again? Version 22621.675
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Do you know of any way to make the Desktop folder the first folder again? Version 22621.675
If you mean the "Desktop" folder at the top of the "This PC" window, then it sounds like you need to sort by "Ascending" order.


If you mean in the navigation pane, then you should be able to "Pin to Quick access" your Desktop folder to do so if "Desktop" is first in alphabetical order of the other folders you pinned.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
If you mean the "Desktop" folder at the top of the "This PC" window, then it sounds like you need to sort by "Ascending" order.


If you mean in the navigation pane, then you should be able to "Pin to Quick access" your Desktop folder to do so if "Desktop" is first in alphabetical order of the other folders you pinned.

Great thread! Is there a way to create a Recycle Folder?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Great thread! Is there a way to create a Recycle Folder?

Hello, :-)

If you like, you could "Pin to Quick access" the Recycle Bin to have it in the navigation pane.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
@Brink is it possible to get these folders back under This PC on the navigation pane on the left?

Hello, and welcome. :-)

Folders you pin to Quick access below will show in the navigation pane under Home.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Hello, and welcome. :-)

Folders you pin to Quick access below will show in the navigation pane under Home.

The goal is to get the navigation pane to be like how I had it before. I had quick access (now Home I guess) completely disabled and had all of my folders under This PC. Is this possible?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
The goal is to get the navigation pane to be like how I had it before. I had quick access (now Home I guess) completely disabled and had all of my folders under This PC. Is this possible?

Sure you can:

1) Unpin all folders from Quick access you want to remove them from the navigation pane.


2) Remove Home from the navigation pane if wanted.


3) Add the folders you want back to This PC.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Sure you can:

1) Unpin all folders from Quick access you want to remove them from the navigation pane.


2) Remove Home from the navigation pane if wanted.


3) Add the folders you want back to This PC.

I cannot get Desktop unpinned from the Quick Access pane. This also doesn't add those folders to the navigation pane to the left under This PC.
 

Attachments

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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
I cannot get Desktop unpinned from the Quick Access pane. This also doesn't add those folders to the navigation pane to the left under This PC.

Adding the folders under This PC doesn't add them to the navigation pane.

Only using "Pin to Quick access" will add them to the navigation pane, but of course under Home instead of This PC.

It could be a bug for not unpinning the Desktop folder. You can try this below to remove it afterwards instead.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Adding the folders under This PC doesn't add them to the navigation pane.

Only using "Pin to Quick access" will add them to the navigation pane, but of course under Home instead of This PC.

It could be a bug for not unpinning the Desktop folder. You can try this below to remove it afterwards instead.

That fixed the Desktop bug, so thank you for that.

Is there really no way to get those folders under This PC in the navigation pane like we had before the update?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
That fixed the Desktop bug, so thank you for that.

Is there really no way to get those folders under This PC in the navigation pane like we had before the update?

I'm not aware of a way to add a folder under This PC in the navigation pane with the new File Explorer so far. :(
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
So my best bet is to just pin those folders to quick access I guess?

That would be the best option for now to have them in the navigation pane.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
If you mean the "Desktop" folder at the top of the "This PC" window, then it sounds like you need to sort by "Ascending" order.

Hey Brink,

First time poster, so I want to start by thanking you for your articles. Real good and useful stuff that you've shared. Thanks!

In regard to the quoted, unfortunately, sorting the content of the window by ascending order doesn't cut it. Yes, it technically puts Desktop at the front of the list of icons, but it also puts the rest of the stuff in disorder. It's not the way to go.

I was curious so I checked the registry entries that were added per this here article of yours. I noticed something different about the Desktop entry compared to the other entries, and I'd like to have your thoughts on this.

All of the entries for the folders (Music, Videos, Documents, Downloads and Pictures), except for Desktop, have the same structure/format:

OOKeG55.jpg

S3duzvA.jpg


Each MyPC folder has two entries in the registry folder NameSpace: one that has the word "local" in the data column of the "default" file (I apologize if I am getting the proper terminology wrong, I am not familiar with IT stuff), and another that does not. Moreover, the entry that does not have the file with "local" in its data has a second file in it, labeled "HidelfEnabled". The entry that does have "local" in the data column of the default file does not have the "HidelfEnabled" file.

Now, what's different about the Desktop entry is twofold:

eXjZIPZ.jpg


1. There is only one entry for Desktop in the NameSpace folder, as opposed to two for all the other MyPC folders.
2. The "default" file in the entry does not have "local" in its data column, and yet also does not have the "HidelfEnabled" file that is present in the equivalent entry for the other folders.

My question: is it possible that the reason that Windows isn't sorting the Desktop folder correctly under the MyPC section is because of this difference in the registry? Perhaps that difference is making Windows perceive the Desktop folder as being of a different "type" than the other folders?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.

Thank you again for this article. Not having the folders of my user in the MyPC window was really bothering me. I don't know why Microsoft removed them; it's not like they were bothering anyone.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
Hello @AuthenticM, and welcome. :-)

The "(Default)" value is just used to help reference what the GUID key is for.

All the GUID keys at this location have a "HidelfEnabled" DWORD value for me, so not sure why you don't.

Neither affects the sorting order though.

Go ahead and post a screenshot showing what you're seeing to see if it may help to ID a way to sort it how you wanted.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium

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