Clever Clogs tip # 752
4 March 2025


Keep your folders within easy reach with File Explorer's Quick access (Windows 10 and 11) *

Last year, I was dragged kicking and screaming into using a Windows 11 laptop - an experience I can only describe as "character-building".

One of the things I missed was the functionality to add a shortcut to a particular folder on my Taskbar. (For those still using Windows 10, check out tip # 315 ... it's such a hidden gem!) Instead, I cluttered my already messy desktop with folder shortcuts and used WIN + D to access them. I recently broke my habit (lifelong learning, right?) and now use the side pane in File Explorer and wanted to share this with you.

When you open File Explorer (WIN + E, anyone?) you will see folders like Desktop, Downloads, Documents, Pictures, Music and Videos. Folders you access frequently are added automatically, but these updates can take a little time as they're based on how often you open each folder. So why not take control and make sure your favourite folders show up in the navigation pane?!

Here's how:

  1. Right-click your folder and select Pin to Quick access.
  2. When you don't need it there anymore, right-click it from the side panel and select Unpin from Quick access.

If - like me - you want to see your pinned folders when opening or saving files (instead of the newer 'Backstage view') just click Browse.

The only downside is that my carefully chosen icons (via right-click > Properties > Change Icon) don't show up in the navigation pane.

Finally, if you don't see a side bar you can bring it back using View > Show > Navigation pane. (I think that's the only spot where that side bar is called the 'Navigation pane'.) Oh, and I personally also like the Compact view.

One last setting you might want to change while you're there... click on the three dots, as highlighted in the screenshot above, click on Options and untick all Privacy options on the General tab.

Your Quick access area is now more "in your face" to the right of the navigation pane and you can simply type the first letter of the folder you want to open. If it's not the right one, keep typing the letter until the correct folder is highlighted, then just press ENTER to open it.

Let me know if you find this helpful.

Related tips

  1. Hide icons on a messy desktop: tip_717.php
  2. How to keep your documents within easy reach: tip_315.php
  3. How to find items on a messy desktop: tip_375.php

Last month's CleverClogsTipTime on LinkedIn (newest posts first)

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  4. Outlook error "The operation cannot be performed because the message has been changed."
  5. Copy from Excel's Status Bar
  6. Ten ways to work faster using your Escape key!
  7. CTRL + D isn't just a bookmarking hero

K.

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* Unless stated otherwise this tip is written for Microsoft 365 desktop apps and Windows 11 users, but might also be useful in Office 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019.