So, Quick Access in Windows 11, eh? It’s that feature that pops up every time you open File Explorer, showing your most-used folders and recent files. Some folks reckon it clutters things up or just prefer a cleaner workspace. Fair enough! Turning it off isn’t hard, but the steps can be a bit hidden if you’re not too familiar with digging through the settings.
Turning Off Quick Access in Windows 11
The main thing is to set File Explorer to open straight to ‘This PC’ instead of that cluttered dashboard. Here’s how to do it, step by step. These tips can save you some hassle if you’re over Quick Access popping up all the time or just want a bit more privacy with your files.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Click the folder icon on your taskbar or hit Windows key + E. Easy as! This takes you into File Explorer, where most of the magic happens.
The aim is to find the folder options. Sometimes it’s a bit sneaky if you’re not used to looking for it, but it’s worth the effort.
Step 2: Go to the “View” Tab
Once you’re in File Explorer, look at the top—there’s a tab called “View”. Click on it. You’ll see all the display options, including the one we need.
Step 3: Click on “Options”
In that “View” tab, towards the right, there’s a button called “Options”. Click it. It opens a window called Folder Options.
Step 4: Change the Default Open Folder Setting
In the Folder Options window, look for the dropdown labeled “Open File Explorer to:”. It’s usually set to “Quick Access”. Change it to “This PC”. Now, each time you open File Explorer, it’ll land on your drives instead of recent stuff.
Heads up—on some setups, you might need to restart File Explorer or reboot your PC for the setting to take full effect. Windows likes to keep us on our toes!
Step 5: Save and Exit
Hit “OK” to save your changes. From now on, when you open File Explorer, it should skip Quick Access and show your drives directly.
This little tweak keeps things a bit more private and cuts down on clutter if Quick Access isn’t your thing.
Tips for tweaking Quick Access in Windows 11
- Go further: Right-click on folders in This PC to pin or unpin them based on what you need.
- Keep it private: Clearing recent files and folders makes it less obvious what you’ve been working on.
- Save time: Pin your fave folders to the sidebar or quick access area if you still want quick links without the history.
- Back it up: Export your folder settings in Folder Options if you like to keep a backup before making big changes.
- Explore your options: Tweak the navigation pane or other File Explorer settings — might make your life easier.
FAQs
What’s Quick Access, exactly?
It’s that sidebar that shows your pinned folders and your recent files. Handy, but it can get a bit busy.
Can I pick what shows up in Quick Access?
Definitely. Right-click on folders to pin or unpin them, or clear your recent files if you want a cleaner look.
Does turning off Quick Access delete my files?
No way! Files stay just where they are. It just stops showing recent ones or your pinned favourites.
Can I switch it back later?
You sure can. Just follow the same steps and set “Open File Explorer to:” back to “Quick Access”. Easy as!
Is this feature available on older Windows versions?
Quick Access is a Windows 10 and 11 thing. If you’re running Windows 7 or older, it’s a different setup altogether.
Summary
- Open File Explorer with Windows key + E.
- Go to the “View” tab.
- Click “Options”.
- Set “Open File Explorer to:” to “This PC”.
- Hit “OK”.
Hopefully this’ll save you a bit of time. Getting your Windows setup just right isn’t always obvious, but once you’ve cracked it, it makes life easier. If you change your mind later, it’s dead easy to switch back. Best of luck!