How to Pin Recent Folders in Quick Access on Windows 11

This guide explains how to pin your recent folders to the Quick Access area in Windows 11.

Quick access helps you get to your files faster. Located in the File Explorer, you can pin specific items to jump straight to the folders you use the most. You will not have to search your whole computer anymore.

Recent folders is a feature in File Explorer that keeps track of the folders you have opened lately. Pinning these to your sidebar makes them stay there permanently.

Why do this? It saves time by keeping your most important work just one click away.

What happens when done? A “Recent folders” shortcut will appear in your File Explorer sidebar for quick access.

Pinning Recent Folders

Follow these steps to customize your File Explorer:

1. Open open File Explorer by clicking its icon or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
2. Click into the address bar at the top of the window. Delete what is there and paste the following command:
3. shell:::{22877a6d-37a1-461a-91b0-dbda5aaebc99}
4. 
6. Press Enter on your keyboard.
7. Click the See more button (the three dots) in the top menu bar.
8. Select Pin to Quick access from the menu that drops down.
9. 
10. 
    

Once finished, the “Recent folders” link will show up in your Quick Access section on the left side of the screen.

If you want to remove it later, just right-click on “Recent folders” in the sidebar and choose Unpin from Quick access.

Summary

• Quick Access makes finding your files faster.
• The Recent folders list tracks where you have been working.
• You can lock this list to your sidebar using a simple shell command.
• This trick helps you organize your computer and stay productive.