How to Pin Recent Folders in Quick Access on Windows 11
Quick Access in Windows 11 File Explorer is a handy sidebar area that shows shortcuts to the folders you open most often. Pinning a folder to this list keeps it stuck in place permanently so you can jump straight to it without digging through your hard drive.
Windows normally hides or pushes away folders you stop visiting, but pinning stops that from happening. You never have to hunt for your active work or favorite downloads again.
Open File Explorer , enter shell:::{22877a6d-37a1-461a-91b0-dbda5aaebc99} in the address bar, and press Enter. Then, click the three dots at the top and select “Pin to Quick access” to add your recent folders.
Steps to Pin Your Recent Folders in Quick Access
Bypassing deep directory trees saves real time during a busy workday. Pinning frequent destinations directly to the File Explorer sidebar brings them one click away. This guide demonstrates the exact procedure for anchoring recent folders.
- Open File Explorer . You can do this by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or by pressing
Win + Eon your keyboard. - Go to the Recent folders section using a special command. Click on the address bar at the top of File Explorer , erase anything there, and copy-paste this command:
shell:::{22877a6d-37a1-461a-91b0-dbda5aaebc99}
Then press Enter. - Pin Recent folders to Quick Access. At the top of File Explorer , click the three dots (called the See more button). From the menu, select Pin to Quick access.
Configuring this setting populates the Quick Access pane on the left side of File Explorer with targeted directories:
How to Remove Pinned Recent Folders
Removing pinned items requires right-clicking the target directory within the Quick Access pane and selecting Unpin from Quick access.
Summary
Locking frequent destinations to the sidebar cuts down on daily navigation busywork. Important project files stay accessible instantly. Maintaining this layout streamlines routine file management tasks.
Additional tutorials covering File Explorer and Quick Access provide further workflow enhancements:
- How to Change Quick Access Settings in Windows 11
- How to Pin or Unpin Files and Folders to Quick Access
- How to Hide Recent Files and Folders in Windows 11
What does it mean to pin a folder to quick access?
Anchoring a directory to the sidebar creates a permanent shortcut that stays put regardless of recent browsing activity.
Do not show recent folders in Quick Access.?
Hiding recent items from Quick Access involves adjusting a preference toggle inside the Folder Options menu.
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Richard
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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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