Backup and Restore Backup and Restore Quick Access Pinned Folders in Windows 11

This tutorial will show you how to backup and restore Quick access pinned folders for your account in Windows 11.

Quick access in the navigation pane of File Explorer (Win+E) allows you to quickly access and view your pinned locations, frequent folders, and recent files from one location in Quick Access.

You can Pin to Quick access and Unpin from Quick access items. These locations include local and network files files (build 22557), folders, drives, libraries, OneDrive, This PC, Recycle Bin, etc...

Folders pinned to Quick access will display under Quick access in File Explorer Home, and under the Quick access group in the navigation pane of File Explorer.

Folders you pin or unpin for Quick access will also be pinned or unpinned in the jump list of File Explorer on the taskbar and Start menu.

Starting with Windows 11 version 22H2 KB5030310 Build 22621.2361, now that File Explorer is powered by Windows App SDK, Microsoft is introducing a modernized File Explorer Home powered by WinUI. Recommended files for users signed into Windows with an Microsoft Entra ID (Azure Active Directory) account will be displayed as a carousel and support file thumbnails which is coming soon. Quick Access folders (available by default for users signed into Windows with a Microsoft account), Favorites, and Recent also bring in an updated experience with WinUI.




EXAMPLE: Quick access pinned folders in "File Explorer < Home" and File Explorer jump list







1 Open File Explorer (Win+E).

2 Copy (Ctrl+C) and Paste (Ctrl+V) the path below into the address bar of File Explorer, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)



3 Copy (Ctrl+C) and Paste (Ctrl+V) the f01b4d95cf55d32a.automaticDestinations-ms file to where you want to keep it saved at as your account's backup. (see screenshot below)

The f01b4d95cf55d32a.automaticDestinations-ms file cannot be renamed.

4 You can now close File Explorer if you like.





1 Open File Explorer (Win+E).

2 Copy (Ctrl+C) and Paste (Ctrl+V) the path below into the address bar of File Explorer, and press Enter. (see screenshot below)



3 Copy (Ctrl+C) and Paste (Ctrl+V) the f01b4d95cf55d32a.automaticDestinations-ms file backed up from Option One into the AutomaticDestinations folder. (see screenshot below)


4 If prompted, click/tap on Replace the file in the destination. (see screenshot below)


5 Sometimes you may need to close and reopen File Explorer to apply.


That's it,
Shawn Brink