Quick Access is one of Windows 11’s default features in File Explorer that automatically shows your recently opened files and frequently used folders. While it can be convenient, not everyone likes it. Some users find it cluttered, distracting, or even a privacy risk if others use the same computer.
If you’d rather see a clean File Explorer view without Quick Access popping up, this step-by-step guide will show you how to disable Quick Access in Windows 11 using different methods.
Summary (Key Takeaways)
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Quick Access shows recent files and frequently used folders in File Explorer.
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You can turn it off using:
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Folder Options (File Explorer settings).
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Registry Editor (advanced method).
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Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro/Enterprise only).
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Disabling Quick Access gives you a cleaner, more private File Explorer experience.
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You can also replace Quick Access with This PC as your File Explorer default.
What Is Quick Access in Windows 11?
Quick Access is the section at the top of File Explorer’s left sidebar that automatically shows:
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Frequent folders → ones you open often.
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Recent files → documents, pictures, or apps you used recently.
Think of it as a “smart shortcut hub.” But if you prefer manual organization, Quick Access may feel unnecessary.
Why Turn Off Quick Access?
Here are some common reasons users disable Quick Access:
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🔒 Privacy → stops others from seeing what files you recently opened.
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🗂️ Less clutter → keeps File Explorer clean and focused.
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⚡ Faster navigation → no auto-suggested folders or files.
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🎯 Personal preference → some users just prefer This PC as their starting view.
Methods to Turn Off Quick Access in Windows 11
There are multiple ways to disable Quick Access, from beginner-friendly to advanced.
Method 1: Turn Off Quick Access via Folder Options
This is the simplest method and works for most users.
Step-by-Step:
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Open File Explorer (press
Win + E). -
Click the three dots (···) in the toolbar and select Options.
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In the Folder Options window:
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Under Privacy, uncheck:
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✅ Show recently used files in Quick Access
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✅ Show frequently used folders in Quick Access
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Click Apply > OK.
➡️ Now Quick Access won’t display recent files or folders anymore.
Method 2: Change File Explorer’s Default View to “This PC”
By default, File Explorer opens to Quick Access. You can switch it to open to This PC instead.
Steps:
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Open File Explorer Options (same as Method 1).
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Under General > Open File Explorer to, select This PC from the dropdown.
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Click Apply > OK.
➡️ From now on, File Explorer will always open to “This PC” instead of Quick Access.
Method 3: Remove Quick Access from Navigation Pane (Registry Editor)
If you want to completely remove Quick Access from the sidebar, you’ll need to use the Registry Editor.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly may cause system issues. Always back up your registry first.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Right-click the Explorer folder → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it:
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Double-click HubMode and set its value to 1.
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Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.
➡️ Quick Access will now disappear from File Explorer’s left sidebar.
Method 4: Disable Quick Access with Group Policy Editor (Pro/Enterprise Only)
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, you can use Group Policy Editor.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Look for the policy:
“Do not allow pinning items in Quick Access.” -
Double-click it → Set to Enabled.
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Click Apply > OK.
➡️ This will stop Quick Access from showing or being modified.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folder Options | Easy | Hides recent/frequent items | Most users |
| Change Default View | Easy | Opens File Explorer to This PC | Users who dislike Quick Access startup |
| Registry Editor | Advanced | Removes Quick Access completely | Power users |
| Group Policy Editor | Medium | Disables Quick Access features | Pro/Enterprise admins |
Common Issues and Fixes
1. Quick Access still shows old files even after disabling
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Go to Folder Options > Privacy → Click Clear under “Clear File Explorer history.”
2. Registry changes didn’t work
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Restart your PC after editing.
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Double-check that HubMode value is set to
1.
3. Group Policy Editor not found
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It’s only available in Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise. Home users must use other methods.
Pros and Cons of Disabling Quick Access
Pros:
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Cleaner File Explorer layout.
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Better privacy.
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No unnecessary distractions.
Cons:
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Lose one-click access to frequently used folders.
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Might make navigation slower if you rely on shortcuts.
Conclusion
Turning off Quick Access in Windows 11 is simple and gives you more control over how File Explorer looks and behaves.
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Use Folder Options if you just want to hide recent/frequent files.
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Switch File Explorer’s default view to This PC for a cleaner startup.
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For full removal, advanced users can edit the Registry or use Group Policy.
Whether it’s for privacy or personal preference, these steps will help you create a File Explorer setup that fits your workflow.
FAQs About Quick Access in Windows 11
1. Can I completely remove Quick Access from File Explorer?
Yes, by editing the Registry (HubMode value).
2. Will disabling Quick Access delete my files?
No, it only hides them from File Explorer’s sidebar. Your files remain safe.
3. Can I turn Quick Access back on later?
Yes, simply re-enable the options in Folder Options.
4. Does disabling Quick Access speed up my PC?
It won’t significantly affect speed, but File Explorer may feel cleaner and faster.
5. Is Quick Access available in Windows 10 too?
Yes, and you can disable it in a similar way.