How to Show or Hide the Ubuntu Folder in Windows 11 File Explorer

The Ubuntu folder in Windows 11 File Explorer 📁 is a sidebar shortcut that links your Windows desktop directly to your Linux subsystem files. Running Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) automatically places this folder in your left-side navigation menu to bridge the gap between both operating systems.

Removing this folder takes just a few quick changes to the Windows registry if you want a cleaner look. You can also use the exact same steps to bring the folder back whenever you need it.

What Does the Ubuntu Folder in File Explorer Look Like?

When Ubuntu is installed on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), the Ubuntu folder appears like this in your File Explorer 📁:

How to Show or Hide the Ubuntu Folder

Modifying this folder requires changing a setting within the Windows Registry. The Windows Registry holds low-level configuration data for the entire operating system, meaning precision matters here. Proceed through these steps carefully:

Step 1Open the Windows Registry Editor

• Press Win+R on your keyboard.
• Type regedit and press Enter.
• If a security box pops up, click Yes to allow it.

For more help opening Registry Editor, see this guide.

Step 2Find the Ubuntu Folder Setting

In Registry Editor, use the left sidebar to navigate to this exact path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\ClassesCLSID{B2B4A4D1-2754-4140-A2EB-9A76D9D7CDC6}

Missing the {B2B4A4D1-2754-4140-A2EB-9A76D9D7CDC6} folder requires this workaround:

• Right-click on CLSID and choose New › Key.
• Name the new key exactly {B2B4A4D1-2754-4140-A2EB-9A76D9D7CDC6}.

Step 3Create or Edit the Value to Show or Hide Ubuntu Folder

• Click the {B2B4A4D1-2754-4140-A2EB-9A76D9D7CDC6} folder on the left.
• On the right side, right-click in the empty space and select New › DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• Name this new value System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree.
• Double-click on System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree.
• In the box for Value data, do the following:
  
      1 = Show the Ubuntu folder
  
      0 = Hide the Ubuntu folder
• Click OK to save.

Step 4Restart Your Computer

Close Registry Editor and restart your PC. Open File Explorer afterward to review the applied changes.

Summary

• The Ubuntu folder helps you access Linux files easily from Windows 11.
• You can show or hide this folder by changing a setting in the Windows Registry.
• Setting the System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree value to 1 shows the folder; setting it to 0 hides it.
• Always be careful when using the Registry Editor and back up your data if needed.

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