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


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

Starting with Windows 11 build 25136 and build 22621.160, 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 File Explorer > This PC.


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

This does not add folders under "This PC" in the navigation pane of 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 Folders group under This PC in File Explorer

This_PC_Folders.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"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 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"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 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"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 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"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 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"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 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"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 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"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

10 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

11 If you have Smart App Control turned on, you will need to unblock the downloaded REG file.

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

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

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

15 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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

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

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

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 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

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


 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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 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

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

10 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

11 If you have Smart App Control turned on, you will need to unblock the downloaded REG file.

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

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

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

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


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

Last edited:
@dacrone Quick question about your fix: is it supposed to work if we want to add only 1 folder?
As in fact, I just want to add "Desktop". So I've tried to run those lines only...
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; --- Desktop ---
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:00000001

; --- Fix Desktop Sort Order ---
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}\ShellFolder]
"SortOrderIndex"=dword:00000000

; --- Remove Desktop Shell Above ThisPC in NavPane ---
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
@"CLSID_ThisPCDesktopRegFolder"
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
@"CLSID_ThisPCDesktopRegFolder"
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001
But it doesn't work. It again just add the Desktop folder in the file manager, still not in the navigation pane :unsure:
So is it supposed to work or do we need to run the whole script and add all the folders?
Thanks!
i ran this on a brand new install test of 25h2 and it added them to both locations. check your registry for any other changes that have been made... i cannot replicate your issue on a brand new install with 0 modifications, so i cannot tell you why it is not adding to your nav pane
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro
OS
Windows 11 Pro
i ran this on a brand new install test of 25h2 and it added them to both locations. check your registry for any other changes that have been made... i cannot replicate your issue on a brand new install with 0 modifications, so i cannot tell you why it is not adding to your nav pane
@dacrone My mistake. Don't know why the 1st attempt didn't work but indeed, I confirm it works.
Thanks so much for your script & taking the time to answer me! 🙏:-)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11
OS
Windows 11

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