How to Remove the Home Folder from Windows 11 File Explorer
The Home folder in Windows 11 File Explorer puts your recent files and folders right on the left sidebar, which feels messy to many people. Hiding this section takes a quick trip into the Windows Registry, the central database where Windows stores important system settings.
You can turn off the Home view completely by changing a single number value inside the registry. This simple fix cleans up your sidebar so you only see the folders you actually want to use.
Edit the Windows Registry to remove the Home folder. Navigate to the Explorer key, create a HubMode DWORD value, set it to 1, then delete the {f874310e-b6b7-47dc-bc84-b9e6b38f5903} key. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
What is File Explorer?
File Explorer acts as the central hub on your PC for browsing, opening, and organizing files and directories. In Windows 11, File Explorer’s left-hand navigation pane often displays folders like Home, Gallery, and OneDrive.
Customizing the File Explorer view remains possible for any user. This guide explains how to hide or remove the "Home" folder, which displays frequently used files and folders for quick access.
How to Hide the Home Folder in File Explorer
Follow these steps to hide the Home folder. Important: The Windows Registry Editor gets used here, so please proceed with caution and follow the instructions exactly.
Step 1Open the Registry Editor
First, open the Registry Editor:
- Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
- Type
regeditand press Enter. - If a security prompt appears, click Yes. This step requires admin privileges.
Consult this helpful guide for more details: How to Open Windows Registry.
Step 2Find the Explorer Folder
In Registry Editor, use the left panel to go to this folder path:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ExplorerStep 3Create a New Value
- Right-click on Explorer.
- Choose New DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value HubMode.
Step 4Change the Value
- Double-click on HubMode.
- Change the Value data to 1.
- Click OK.
Step 5Delete the Home Folder Key
Next, navigate to this folder path:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
- Find the folder named
{f874310e-b6b7-47dc-bc84-b9e6b38f5903}. - Right-click it and select Delete.
- Confirm the deletion if asked.
Step 6Restart Your Computer
Restart your PC to make sure the changes take effect.
After restarting, open File Explorer and the Home folder will no longer appear. Instead, it will open to This PC or the folder set as default.
How to Bring Back the Home Folder
Undoing the changes restores the Home folder whenever desired.
Step 1Open Registry Editor Again
Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Administrative permissions are necessary to make these system modifications.
Step 2Delete the HubMode Value
- Go to
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. - Right-click HubMode and select Delete.
- Confirm deletion.
Step 3Create the Home Folder Key
Hiding the Home folder in Windows 11 happens by making a specific change in your computer's Registry. This involves visiting a particular spot in the Registry editor and adding a new entry bearing the correct name.- Navigate to
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace. - Right-click on NameSpace folder, then choose New Key
- Name the new key
{f874310e-b6b7-47dc-bc84-b9e6b38f5903}. - Click on the new key.
- Double-click the (Default) value on the right side.
- Set its value data to
CLSID_MSGraphHomeFolder. - Click OK.
Step 4Restart Your Computer
Restart your PC again. The Home folder returns to File Explorer.
Summary
- Hide Home Folder: Add and change a value in the Registry, then delete a key. This requires admin privileges.
- Restore Home Folder: Remove the value, then add the deleted key back with the right name and data. This requires admin privileges.
- Restart Needed: Always restart your computer after making these changes.
- Be Careful: Editing the Registry can cause problems if done incorrectly. Follow instructions carefully and consider backing up your Registry first.
Hiding the Home folder requires changing a Registry value and deleting a key, which demands admin rights. Restoring it means removing the value and re-adding the key with the correct name and data, also requiring admin rights. Always restart your PC after making these changes.
How to hide folders in 🪟 Windows 11 Home?
Select the folder targeted for hiding. Press Alt + Enter to open the folder's Properties window. Under the General tab, find the Attributes section and check the box next to Hidden.
How to hide home in settings 🪟 Windows 11?
Enable that setting and input the text hide colon home. Apply the changes, then open the settings app again to confirm home is gone.
Was this guide helpful?
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.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!