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


Related Tutorials

 

Attachments

  • This_PC.png
    This_PC.png
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  • 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_Music_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    742 bytes · Views: 304
  • Add_Pictures_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    742 bytes · Views: 209
  • Add_Videos_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    742 bytes · Views: 206
  • Remove_all_folders_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    2.8 KB · Views: 218
  • Remove_3D_Objects_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg
    706 bytes · Views: 211
  • 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:
Click to expand...
Brink said:
Hello TheProfosist, and welcome. :alien:

You might see if the tutorial below may work for this by adding your account's profile folder to the navigation pane of File Explorer.

www.elevenforum.com

Add or Remove User Folder in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the user folder on the navigation pane of File Explorer for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11. A user profile is a collection of settings that make the computer look and work the way you want it to for a user account. It is stored in the...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
Click to expand...
That is now added in Win11 when you select "Show all folders"

Is that GUID entry the same as it would be for this so I can modify the script?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    5950X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG X570 Hero
    Memory
    64GB
    Sound Card
    Topping DX7 Pro
    PSU
    SeaSonic Prime Platinum 1300w
    Case
    Case Labe SMA8-A
    Cooling
    Custom Water Cooling
    Keyboard
    HHKB Pro HYBRID Type-S Snow
TheProfosist said:
That is now added in Win11 when you select "Show all folders"

Is that GUID entry the same as it would be for this so I can modify the script?
Click to expand...

It's an option to add it without having to turn on "Show all folders".

It does use the same GUID.
 

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 said:
It's an option to add it without having to turn on "Show all folders".

It does use the same GUID.
Click to expand...
Usefull for those that dont want/need " Show all folders" I really like that it was added personally.

Thanks for the help. I'll try to make my own based on those two scripts then!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    5950X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG X570 Hero
    Memory
    64GB
    Sound Card
    Topping DX7 Pro
    PSU
    SeaSonic Prime Platinum 1300w
    Case
    Case Labe SMA8-A
    Cooling
    Custom Water Cooling
    Keyboard
    HHKB Pro HYBRID Type-S Snow
I think I was able to accomplish what the others are trying to do. To get the folders back, you can disable the new tabs feature using the vivetool, and that should bring the folders back. Whether or not that is worthy trade is up for you to decide.

Preview.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
JeepWillys58 said:
Hi dear friend @Brink

Could you point to me the tutorial to remove it from Navigation panel too?

Thanks in Advanced,

@JeepWillys58
Click to expand...

Hello mate, :alien:

You can unpin them from Quick Access to also remove them from the navigation pane.

www.elevenforum.com

Remove Quick Access Folders from Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to stop showing Quick access folders on the navigation pane of File Explorer for your account in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Quick access is part of Home in File Explorer (Win+E). Quick access allows you to quickly access and view your pinned folders and frequent...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

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 said:
Hello mate, :alien:

You can unpin them from Quick Access to also remove them from the navigation pane.

www.elevenforum.com

Remove Quick Access Folders from Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to stop showing Quick access folders on the navigation pane of File Explorer for your account in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Quick access is part of Home in File Explorer (Win+E). Quick access allows you to quickly access and view your pinned folders and frequent...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
Click to expand...
Hi again dear friend,

I already did that but the folders remain...
 

Attachments

  • FoldersOnNagivationPanel-02.png
    FoldersOnNagivationPanel-02.png
    177.4 KB · Views: 62

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 22621.1835 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
JeepWillys58 said:
Hi again dear friend,

I already did that but the folders remain...
Click to expand...

It looks like you may have "Show all folders" still turned on like below.

www.elevenforum.com

Turn On or Off Show all folders in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off show all folders in the navigation pane of File Explorer for your account in Windows 11. The navigation pane is the far left pane in File Explorer used to find files, folders, and drives on your PC or network. If you like, you can select to...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

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 said:
It looks like you may have "Show all folders" still turned on like below.

www.elevenforum.com

Turn On or Off Show all folders in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off show all folders in the navigation pane of File Explorer for your account in Windows 11. The navigation pane is the far left pane in File Explorer used to find files, folders, and drives on your PC or network. If you like, you can select to...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
Click to expand...
Yes, I have, but in Windows 10 and 11 21H2, even showing all the folders I managed to remove these folders from the navigation panel...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 22621.1835 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Hi @IonAphis, @TheProfosist, @Brink and all guys!!!

I found the solution to permanently remove the Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures and Videos folders from the Windows Explorer navigation panel and also from the Desktop folder of all users...

Open regedit and navigate to the key below:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\NonEnum

Right-click on the registry and create a new DWORD 32bit valueas the GUID name of the folder you want to hide from the panel the GUID you will find here in the link below:

www.tenforums.com

CLSID Key (GUID) Shortcuts List for Windows 10

Complete List of Windows 10 CLSID Key (GUID) Shortcuts
www.tenforums.com www.tenforums.com

Examples:
Documents Folder in Navigation Pane: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}\\(default)\\CLSID_ThisPCLocalDocumentsRegFolder]

Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\NonEnum]
"{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}"=dword:00000001

Documents Folder in This PC: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{A8CDFF1C-4878-43be-B5FD-F8091C1C60D0}\\(default)\\CLSID_ThisPCDocumentsRegFolder]

Code: 
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\NonEnum]
"{A8CDFF1C-4878-43be-B5FD-F8091C1C60D0}"=dword:00000001

Set the Hexadecimal value to 1 and that's it, after restarting Explorer the Documents folder will have been hidden from the Navigation Panel and from the Desktop folder...

To restart Explorer just run the command below:
cmd.exe /c taskkill /f /im explorer.exe & start explorer.exe

Also follow my Clean_Unnecessary_Folders_ExplorerPanel+ThisPC.reg

Code: 
    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\NonEnum]
"{BDEADF00-C265-11D0-BCED-00A0C90AB50F}"=dword:00000001
"{031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}"=dword:00000001
"{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}"=dword:00000001
"{374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B}"=dword:00000001
"{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}"=dword:00000001
"{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}"=dword:00000001
"{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}"=dword:00000001
"{3ADD1653-EB32-4cb0-BBD7-DFA0ABB5ACCA}"=dword:00000001
"{A0953C92-50DC-43bf-BE83-3742FED03C9C}"=dword:00000001
"{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}"=dword:00000001
"{A8CDFF1C-4878-43be-B5FD-F8091C1C60D0}"=dword:00000001
"{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}"=dword:00000001
"{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}"=dword:00000001

Using my Clean_Explorer_Unnecessary_Folders.reg, you'll make your Destop folder and navigation pane look like this:

The Windows Explorer Navigation Pane in Windows 11 as it should be...

https://imgur.com/H6WX9qY

I hope this is useful for anyone who is having trouble getting their machine to look cleaner.

Best Regards and Good Computing for all.

@JeepWillys58
 

Attachments

  • Clean_Unnecessary_Folders_ExplorerPanel+ThisPC.reg
    1.7 KB · Views: 49

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 22621.1835 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Thank you @JeepWillys58. :alien:

Does that also remove those folders from File Explorer > Home > Quick access like below?

www.elevenforum.com

Remove Quick Access Folders from Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to stop showing Quick access folders on the navigation pane of File Explorer for your account in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Quick access is part of Home in File Explorer (Win+E). Quick access allows you to quickly access and view your pinned folders and frequent...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
 

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 said:
Thank you @JeepWillys58. :alien:

Does that also remove those folders from File Explorer > Home > Quick access like below?

www.elevenforum.com

Remove Quick Access Folders from Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to stop showing Quick access folders on the navigation pane of File Explorer for your account in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Quick access is part of Home in File Explorer (Win+E). Quick access allows you to quickly access and view your pinned folders and frequent...
www.elevenforum.com www.elevenforum.com
Click to expand...
From what I understand in this tutorial, what I proposed above works differently, because the items in the Navigation Panel's folder options are active, except for "Always show availability status", which I leave disabled.

Folder_Options.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 22621.1835 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
JeepWillys58 said:
From what I understand in this tutorial, what I proposed above works differently, because the items in the Navigation Panel's folder options are active, except for "Always show availability status", which I leave disabled.

View attachment 62524
Click to expand...

I just tested, and it appears to only affect the "Show all folders" view of 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 said:
I just tested, and it appears to only affect the "Show all folders" view of the navigation pane.
Click to expand...

I just test it now, with the "Show all folders" view of the navigation pane desabled, and look's like this... but I always let this option enable by default in all my machines...

1686936051111.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 22621.1835 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
JeepWillys58 said:
I just test it now, with the "Show all folders" view of the navigation pane desabled, and look's like this... but I always let this option enable by default in all my machines...
Click to expand...

Does one of those folders show in the navigation pane with "Show all folders" turned off if you use "Pin to Quick access" on the folder?

It does for me still.
 

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 said:
Does one of those folders show in the navigation pane with "Show all folders" turned off if you use "Pin to Quick access" on the folder?

It does for me still.
Click to expand...
As you will see in the video, the folders that were hidden from the navigation panel and from the Desktop folder do not appear even when they are pinned in Quick Access... For me this is great, because I don't need to see them repeated there, because they remain visible in the user's folder and that's exactly what I need.

https://imgur.com/a/WpIJbOl
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 22621.1835 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
JeepWillys58 said:
As you will see in the video, the folders that were hidden from the navigation panel and from the Desktop folder do not appear even when they are pinned in Quick Access... For me this is great, because I don't need to see them repeated there, because they remain visible in the user's folder and that's exactly what I need.
Click to expand...

Odd. It only removes the folders in the "Show all folders" navigation pane for me. If you expand "Home" in the nav pane, it will of course still show any "Pin to Quick access" folders.
 

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 said:
Odd. It only removes the folders in the "Show all folders" navigation pane for me. If you expand "Home" in the nav pane, it will of course still show any "Pin to Quick access" folders.
Click to expand...
Maybe because I use it inside another personalization reg, I'll send it to you via PM...;-)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 22621.1835 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Azel said:
I think I was able to accomplish what the others are trying to do. To get the folders back, you can disable the new tabs feature using the vivetool, and that should bring the folders back. Whether or not that is worthy trade is up for you to decide.

View attachment 53269
Click to expand...
I managed to disable the new tabs feature to get the folders back, but now they're gone again. Is there any more help with this?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
itzTommy said:
I managed to disable the new tabs feature to get the folders back, but now they're gone again. Is there any more help with this?
Click to expand...

Hello Tommy, and welcome. :alien:

You should still be able to use step 2 in option 1 to add all folders back in the "This PC" window in File Explorer.
 

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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