How to Add or Remove the Windows 11 Gallery Folder
The Gallery feature in Windows 11 File Explorer acts as a central photo aggregator. It pulls images from various locations into one view. It is important to distinguish between the Photos App, which is a dedicated media viewer, and the File Explorer Gallery, which is a shell extension for quick file access.
Why manage your Gallery?
You might want to see photos stored in different folders on your computer. You may also want to hide folders to keep your view clean. Managing these settings helps you organize your files and find your pictures faster.
What happens when done?
Once you finish, your Gallery will only show the photos you want to see. This makes browsing your collection much simpler without deleting your actual files.
Add or remove folders in File Explorer
You can change your settings directly inside File Explorer.
- Open File Explorer and click on Gallery in the side menu.
- Select Collection and then Manage collection in the top menu bar.
- Click the Add button to pick a folder from your PC. The files will stay in their original location, such as
C:\Users\Username\Pictures\NewFolder.
- Select the folder you want and click Include folder.
To remove a folder later:
- Go back to Collection and then Manage collection in the File Explorer command bar.
- Select the folder you want to remove and click Remove.
Advanced Management: Registry and PowerShell
For power users, you can manage the Gallery via the Registry Editor. Warning: This requires admin privileges. Incorrect changes can cause system issues.
To hide the Gallery from the navigation pane, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. You can create a new DWORD value named DisableGallery and set it to 1.
Cloud Integration: OneDrive and iCloud
The Gallery automatically integrates with OneDrive Camera Roll Backup. If you use iCloud for Windows, ensure your iCloud Photos folder is included in your collection settings to see those images in the Gallery.
Summary
Managing your Gallery keeps your digital decluttering efforts on track. Whether you use the simple File Explorer interface or advanced Registry tweaks, you have full control over your media management. Remember that the Gallery is just a view; your files stay exactly where you put them.
Does removing the Gallery from the navigation pane delete my photos?
No. Removing a folder from the Gallery view or hiding the Gallery itself only changes how the files are displayed in File Explorer. Your actual image files remain safely stored in their original folders on your hard drive or cloud storage.
Can I customize which folders appear in the Gallery view?
Yes. You can customize the Gallery by using the Manage Collection feature. This allows you to manually add or remove specific folders from your PC, ensuring that only the directories you care about appear in your aggregated photo view.
Is the Gallery feature available in all versions of Windows 11?
The Gallery feature was introduced in Windows 11 build 23435. It is available in all current versions of Windows 11 that have received the latest feature updates. If you do not see it, ensure your system is fully updated via Windows Update.
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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.
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