How to Enable or Disable OneDrive in File Explorer Navigation Pane in Windows 11

This guide explains how to add or remove the OneDrive folder from the side menu in File Explorer on Windows 11. By default, Windows adds this folder to make accessing your files easier. If you do not use it, you might want to remove it to clean up your view.

Why do this?

You might want to hide the folder if you do not use the service and want a less cluttered sidebar. Conversely, you may need to show it again if it accidentally disappeared.

What happens when done?

The OneDrive shortcut will either appear or disappear from the left sidebar in File Explorer. Note that this does not delete your actual files. Your data remains safe in your local folder at C:\Users\Username\OneDrive.

Note: You will need Administrator privileges to complete these steps, as you will be modifying the Windows Registry.

Steps to Show or Hide OneDrive

1. Open the Windows Registry.
2. Navigate to this path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}
3. If you do not see the folder named {018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}, right-click the CLSID folder and create it.

4. In the right-hand area, right-click and select New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name this new item: System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree
6. Double-click the new item to change its settings:
   • Set the value to 1 to show the folder.
   • Set the value to 0 to hide the folder.

7. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to save your changes.

Summary

You can control the visibility of the OneDrive folder in your File Explorer sidebar by editing the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree value in the Windows Registry. Following these steps ensures your workspace is organized exactly how you prefer it.