Removing Quick Access from Windows 11 is a simple task that can help you customize your File Explorer experience. By following a few straightforward steps, you can make sure Quick Access no longer appears in your File Explorer. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can easily complete the task.
How to Remove Quick Access from Windows 11
Let’s go step-by-step through the process of removing Quick Access from Windows 11. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a File Explorer that opens to This PC instead of Quick Access.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
First, open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing Windows + E on your keyboard.
File Explorer is your gateway to all your files and folders. Getting comfortable with opening it quickly will help with many other tasks too.
Step 2: Access Folder Options
Next, click on the three dots in the File Explorer’s menu bar, and select “Options” from the dropdown menu.
This step will open a new window called Folder Options, where most of the customization for File Explorer happens.
Step 3: Change Open File Explorer To “This PC”
In the Folder Options window, under the General tab, find the dropdown menu labeled “Open File Explorer to.” Select “This PC” from the dropdown options.
By doing this, you are setting the default view of File Explorer to This PC, which means it will no longer automatically open to Quick Access.
Step 4: Apply and Save Changes
Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes and close the Folder Options window.
Applying the changes ensures that the new settings take effect immediately, so you won’t have to redo the process.
Step 5: Verify the Changes
Close and reopen File Explorer to make sure it opens to This PC instead of Quick Access.
Verifying your changes is always a good idea. This way, you know that everything is set up just the way you want it.
Now that you’ve removed Quick Access, your File Explorer should open to This PC by default. This small change can make a big difference in how you navigate your files.
Tips for Removing Quick Access from Windows 11
- Consider customizing This PC by adding or removing folders to make it more useful for your needs.
- If you change your mind, you can always revert to Quick Access by following the same steps and selecting Quick Access instead of This PC.
- Use the Folder Options window to explore other customization features that can improve your File Explorer experience.
- Regularly clean up your Most Recent files if you prefer to use Quick Access occasionally.
- Remember that removing Quick Access does not delete any files—it only changes the default view of File Explorer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing Quick Access delete my files?
No, removing Quick Access only changes the default view of File Explorer. Your files remain safe and accessible.
Can I restore Quick Access if I change my mind?
Yes, you can easily revert to Quick Access by following the same steps and selecting Quick Access from the dropdown menu.
Will this affect other users on the same computer?
No, changes to File Explorer’s default view are user-specific. Other users won’t be affected by your settings.
Is there a way to remove Quick Access items but keep the feature?
Yes, you can manually unpin items from Quick Access without disabling the feature entirely. Simply right-click items and select “Unpin from Quick Access.”
Can I customize This PC?
Yes, you can add or remove folders in This PC to better suit your needs. Use the “Add a folder” option in the This PC view.
Summary
- Open File Explorer
- Access Folder Options
- Change Open File Explorer To “This PC”
- Apply and Save Changes
- Verify the Changes
Conclusion
Removing Quick Access from Windows 11 can significantly enhance your File Explorer experience, especially if you prefer a different default view. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can customize how you interact with your files and folders.
While Quick Access is a handy feature for many, it’s not essential for everyone. Some users find that opening File Explorer to This PC is more intuitive and less cluttered. Plus, making this change is entirely reversible, so you can always switch back if you change your mind.
For those who enjoy personalizing their computer experience, exploring other options in the Folder Options window can lead to even more ways to streamline your workflow. Whether you are a student, a professional, or just someone who likes to keep things organized, customizing File Explorer can make a world of difference.
Take control of your File Explorer today and enjoy a more tailored browsing experience.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.