If you’re finding yourself frustrated with Quick Access in Windows 11 automatically adding folders, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there’s an easy fix to stop this behavior. In just a few steps, you can take control of this feature and customize your file explorer the way you prefer. This guide will walk you through how to change Quick Access settings so that it only shows what you want without automatically adding folders.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Stop Quick Access from Adding Folders in Windows 11
With this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to change your Quick Access settings so that it stops adding folders automatically. This allows for a more personalized and organized file browsing experience.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
To get started, open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E.
When you open File Explorer, it brings you to Quick Access by default. This is where you want to make the changes.
Step 2: Access Folder Options
Next, click on the “View” tab at the top of the File Explorer window, and then select “Options.”
The Folder Options window is your command center for managing how File Explorer behaves.
Step 3: Turn Off Frequent Folders and Recent Files
In the Folder Options window, under the “General” tab, uncheck “Show recently used files in Quick access” and “Show frequently used folders in Quick access.”
This step will prevent new items from being automatically added to Quick Access.
Step 4: Clear File Explorer History
Also in the Folder Options, click the “Clear” button under the Privacy section to remove any folders currently in Quick Access.
This clears the list, giving you a fresh start.
Step 5: Confirm Your Changes
Finally, click “OK” to close the Folder Options and confirm your changes.
By clicking OK, you save the settings, and Quick Access stops automatically adding folders.
After you complete these actions, your Quick Access will no longer automatically add folders or files based on usage. You can still pin folders manually by right-clicking on them and selecting “Pin to Quick Access” if there’s anything you want to keep handy.
Tips on How to Stop Quick Access from Adding Folders in Windows 11
- Keep Quick Access organized by pinning only the folders you frequently use to avoid clutter.
- Regularly clear File Explorer history to ensure Quick Access remains clean and relevant.
- Explore the other tabs in Folder Options to customize File Explorer further to your liking.
- Consider creating shortcuts on your desktop for frequently accessed folders for quicker access.
- If you miss the automatic updates, you can always reverse these changes by going back into Folder Options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does disabling Quick Access affect my files?
No, disabling Quick Access does not affect your files; it only changes how they’re displayed in File Explorer.
Can I still pin folders manually after making these changes?
Yes, you can still manually pin folders to Quick Access by right-clicking on them and selecting “Pin to Quick Access.”
Will clearing File Explorer history delete any of my files?
No, clearing File Explorer history only removes the list of recent files and folders; it does not delete the actual files.
How can I revert the changes if I want Quick Access to function as before?
Simply go back to the Folder Options and check the boxes you previously unchecked. Then, click “OK” to save your changes.
Is it possible to customize which folders appear in Quick Access?
Yes, you can manually pin any folder you choose to Quick Access for a personalized file browsing experience.
Summary
- Open File Explorer.
- Access Folder Options.
- Turn off frequent folders and recent files.
- Clear File Explorer history.
- Confirm your changes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to stop Quick Access from adding folders in Windows 11 can greatly enhance your user experience by allowing you to customize your File Explorer environment. Quick Access is a handy feature, but when it becomes cluttered with folders you never intended to use, it can become more of a nuisance than a help. By following the steps detailed in this guide, you can tailor Quick Access to better fit your needs, ensuring that it shows only the folders you want to see.
Remember, personalizing your computer settings is about creating a workspace that works for you. If Quick Access was adding too many folders, now you have the tools to stop it. And if you ever want to go back to the automatic way, the steps are reversible.
For further reading, explore other customization options within Windows 11, such as customizing the taskbar or adjusting notification settings for a fully polished computing experience. Happy exploring!
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.