How to Remove Home Folder from Windows 11 File Explorer

This guide explains how to remove or hide the Home folder from the side menu in File Explorer on Windows 11.

Windows File Explorer is a file manager tool built into Windows. It provides a simple way to view, copy, move, delete, and rename your files and folders in a clear list.

The latest version of File Explorer shows Home, Gallery, and your OneDrive folders on the left side. We previously showed you how to remove the Gallery and OneDrive folders. Now, you can also remove the Home folder.

Hide the Home Folder in File Explorer

Why do this? You might want to hide the Home folder to make your File Explorer look cleaner and less cluttered.

What happens when done? The Home folder will no longer appear in your File Explorer side menu.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

Open the Windows Registry and go to the following folder path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

⚠️ Admin required: You must have administrator privileges to change these settings.

Step 2: Create a New DWORD Value

Right-click on the Explorer folder, select New, and then DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new file HubMode.

Double-click HubMode and change the value from 0 to 1. Click OK.

Step 3: Delete the Home Folder Key

Next, go to this folder path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Enter\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace

Right-click the key named {f874310e-b6b7-47dc-bc84-b9e6b38f5903} and select Delete.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

You may need to restart your computer for these changes to take effect. Once finished, File Explorer will open to “This PC” or your chosen default folder instead of Home.

Restore the Home Folder

Why do this? If you decide you want the Home folder back, you can easily undo these steps.

What happens when done? The Home folder will reappear in your File Explorer side menu.

1. Delete the HubMode Value: Right-click the HubMode entry you created earlier and select Delete.
2. Create the NameSpace Key: Go to the NameSpace folder path. Right-click it, select New, and click Key.
3. Name the Key: Name the new key {f874310e-b6b7-47dc-bc84-b9e6b38f5903} and press Enter.
4. Set the Value: Right-click the Default string inside that new key, change the value to CLSID_MSGraphHomeFolder, and click OK.

Summary

Hiding or restoring the Home folder in Windows 11 is a simple way to customize your workspace.

• Hiding the Home Folder: Update your registry settings to keep your File Explorer sidebar clean.
• Restoring the Home Folder: Delete your custom registry entries to bring the default view back.
• Reboot Required: Your computer may need a quick restart to finalize changes.
• Customization: You are in control of how your file manager looks and feels.
• Caution: Always be careful when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can affect your system.