How to Manage Office.com Files in Windows 11 File Explorer

Windows 11 File Explorer features a Home view that organizes your files. By default, it may show files from your Office.com account. If you prefer to keep your file view clean, you can easily turn this off.

Why manage these files?

You may want to declutter your view. You might also want to hide work files from appearing in your personal file list. Managing this setting gives you better control over your privacy and workflow.

What happens when you are done?

Once you change these settings, your Office.com files will either appear or disappear from the Home section of File Explorer based on your choice.

Method 1: Using Folder Options

This is the easiest way to change the setting.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click the three dots (…) in the top menu and select Options.
3. Under the General tab, look for the Privacy section.
4. Check or uncheck the box labeled Show files from Office.com.
5. Click OK to save.

Method 2: Using Local Group Policy Editor (Admin Required)

This method works for all users on your computer.

1. Press the Windows key and search for Edit group policy. Select the result.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
3. Find the setting named Turn off files from Office.com in Quick access view and double-click it.
4. Choose Enabled to hide the files or Disabled to show them.
5. Click OK and restart your computer.

Method 3: Using the Windows Registry (Admin Required)

If you cannot use the policy editor, you can edit the registry directly.

1. Press the Windows key, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Windows Registry.
2. Go to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer
3. If the Explorer folder does not exist, right-click the Windows folder, select New > Key, and name it Explorer.
4. Right-click in the empty space on the right, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DisableGraphRecentItems.
5. Double-click DisableGraphRecentItems. Set the value to 1 to hide the files, or 0 to show them.
6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Summary

Windows 11 integrates Office.com files directly into your Quick access. If you find this distracting, you can disable it using the Folder Options menu, the Local Group Policy editor, or the Windows Registry. These simple steps ensure your File Explorer stays organized exactly how you like it.