This tutorial will show you how to reset the width of the navigation pane in File Explorer back to default for your account in Windows 10 and 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.
You can drag the right border of the navigation pane left and right to increase or decrease its width in File Explorer.
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. The updated organization provides easy access to your pinned and frequently used folders (Quick access) and your OneDrive cloud profiles added to Windows. OneDrive cloud profiles reflect the user’s name associated with the account. Known Windows folders which are available by default in the navigation pane are no longer displayed under This PC to keep that view focused for your PC’s drives. When you navigate to folders syncing to OneDrive such as Documents, Pictures, etc., the address bar displays the correct path to help bring clarity when your folders are on the cloud vs when they are local to you.
EXAMPLE: Navigation pane default width in File Explorer
Here's How:
1 Click/tap on the Download button below to download the REG file below.
Reset_navigation_pane_width_to_default_in_File_Explorer.reg
Download
(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Modules\GlobalSettings\Sizer]
"PageSpaceControlSizer"=-2 Save the .reg file to your desktop.
3 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
4 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
5 If File Explorer is currently open, then close and reopen File Explorer to apply.
6 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
That's it,
Shawn Brink
Last edited:
