How to Customize Quick Access in File Explorer on Windows 11
Quick Access in Windows 11 File Explorer is a handy shortcut area that shows your most-opened files and folders right when you open a window. Pinning heavy-use folders like Documents or Downloads to this panel lets you open them with a single click instead of digging through drive letters.
This shortcut hub saves you minutes of searching every day and keeps your workspace tidy. You can pin up to 20 folders, remove items you no longer want to see, or turn off recent history completely with just a few clicks.
Pin folders by right-clicking them and selecting “Pin to Quick Access.” Remove them by right-clicking and choosing “Unpin from Quick Access.” To disable recent files, go to File Explorer Options, uncheck “Show recently used files,” and click Apply.
How to pin or remove items
Pinning folders you use often keeps them easy to find at the top of the pane.
How to change Quick Access settings
How to change Quick Access settings: You can adjust settings in Windows 11 to control what appears, like hiding recent files and folders. This helps make File Explorer work exactly how you want it, showing you only what matters.
- Open File Explorer .
- Click the three dots (…) in the top menu.
- Select Options.
Open File Explorer and click the three dots (...) in the top menu to select Options. The General tab lets you choose where File Explorer opens first. For example, if you prefer seeing your computer drives rather than Quick Access when File Explorer starts, change the Open File Explorer to setting to This PC.
Next, to stop Windows from showing your recent files, scroll down to the Privacy section at the bottom of the window:
- Uncheck the boxes for Show recently used files and Show frequently used folders.
- Click Apply to save your changes.
How to show only your pinned folders
Showing only your pinned folders in Quick Access on Windows 11 is possible by changing one setting. This hides recent and frequent files, keeping your view clean and focused on the folders you use most often.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the three dots (...) and choose Options.
- Ensure Open File Explorer to is set to Quick Access.
- In the Privacy section, uncheck the boxes for recent and frequent items.
- Click Apply.
Click Apply to save the new setup. Now, your Quick Access menu will only show the folders you have manually pinned.
Summary
Quick Access is a powerful tool to save time. Pinning your favorite folders helps you stop wasting time searching. Adjusting your privacy settings can remove clutter and keep your workspace organized and focused on what matters most.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
So there is no way to remove Quick Access in Windows 11??
And there seems to be no way to remove the Recommended section in the Start menu?!
This is ridiculous
You can remove Quick Acces via Registry editor. The W10 guide works fine.
The content of the Recommended section can be removed via Settings -> Personalisation -> Show recently… OFF Unfortunatelly the text “Recommended….” in Start menu can’t be removed.
I followed the instructions and nothing happened.
“You can remove Quick Access via Registry editor. The W10 guide works fine.” is your response to Luka – so where do I find W10 Guide? because I don’t want the stupid Quick Access.
Well, you can change the default folder to “This computer”, which is fine for me. (I never got the idea of quick access folder. All app I need to quickly access are pined to taskbar).
Cheers
Michala
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