Turning off Quick Access in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that involves navigating through File Explorer settings. Quick Access is a feature that shows your frequently used folders and recent files, but some users prefer a cleaner or more private File Explorer experience. To disable Quick Access, you’ll need to access the folder options and make a few adjustments. Here’s a quick guide: open File Explorer, go to the “View” tab, click on “Options,” and in the Folder Options dialog, switch to “This PC” instead of “Quick Access.”
Turning Off Quick Access in Windows 11
By following these steps, you’ll learn how to turn off Quick Access in Windows 11, giving you more control over your File Explorer’s appearance and behavior.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
File Explorer is where you manage your files and folders, and it’s the starting point for changing your Quick Access settings.
Step 2: Go to the “View” Tab
In the File Explorer window, click on the “View” tab located at the top.
The “View” tab offers various options to customize how your files and folders are displayed, including access to folder options.
Step 3: Click on “Options”
Within the “View” tab, you’ll find a button labeled “Options” on the far right. Click it to open Folder Options.
Folder Options is a dialog box where you can adjust how File Explorer behaves, including its default opening view.
Step 4: Change the Open File Explorer Setting
In the Folder Options dialog, look for the dropdown menu labeled “Open File Explorer to:” and select “This PC” instead of “Quick Access.”
By choosing “This PC,” you’ll set File Explorer to open directly to your drives and folders rather than your frequently used items.
Step 5: Click “OK” to Save Changes
After selecting “This PC,” click “OK” to apply your changes and close the dialog.
Saving your changes ensures that the next time you open File Explorer, it will reflect your new settings.
Once you’ve completed these steps, File Explorer will no longer default to Quick Access. Instead, it will open to “This PC,” displaying your drives and primary folders, which some users find tidier and less intrusive.
Tips for Turning Off Quick Access in Windows 11
- Customization: You can further customize your File Explorer by rearranging folders in “This PC” for quicker access to your most-used directories.
- Privacy: Disabling Quick Access can enhance privacy by not showing your recent files and frequently used folders at a glance.
- Efficiency: Consider pinning your most important folders to the “Quick Access” section manually for efficiency without the clutter.
- Backup: Before making significant changes, consider backing up your system settings to revert if needed.
- Explore Alternatives: Experiment with different File Explorer settings to find what best suits your workflow and personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick Access in Windows 11?
Quick Access is a feature in File Explorer that displays your most frequently used folders and recently opened files for quick retrieval.
Can I customize which folders appear in Quick Access?
Yes, you can manually pin and unpin folders to Quick Access by right-clicking them and selecting the appropriate option.
Will turning off Quick Access delete my files?
No, turning off Quick Access does not delete any files; it only changes the default view in File Explorer.
Can I revert back to Quick Access after turning it off?
Yes, you can easily revert to Quick Access by following the same steps and selecting “Quick Access” in the “Open File Explorer to” dropdown.
Is Quick Access available in all versions of Windows?
Quick Access was introduced in Windows 10 and continues in Windows 11, but earlier versions of Windows have different default views.
Summary
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to the “View” Tab.
- Click on “Options.”
- Change the Open File Explorer Setting to “This PC.”
- Click “OK” to save changes.
Conclusion
Turning off Quick Access in Windows 11 is a simple yet effective way to tailor your computing environment to your preferences. If you find the constant display of frequently used folders and recent files distracting or if you’re concerned about privacy, then altering this setting can offer a cleaner, more personalized browsing experience.
By following the steps outlined above, you’ll have more control over how your File Explorer looks and functions. As technology continues to evolve, it remains crucial to adapt our tools to fit our personal or professional needs. Don’t hesitate to explore other customization options within Windows 11 to further enhance your productivity and comfort.
For those interested in diving deeper, Microsoft offers extensive resources and support documents that delve into more advanced tweaks. Remember, technology is here to serve you, so don’t shy away from making it work to your advantage. If you need further guidance, online communities and forums can be a treasure trove of insights and tips.
Happy exploring, and may your Windows 11 experience be as smooth and efficient as you desire!
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.