How to Remove Quick Access in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Access is a feature in Windows 11 that shows your frequently used files and folders for easy access. While some users find it helpful, others prefer a cleaner File Explorer without Quick Access. If you want to remove or disable Quick Access, this guide will walk you through simple steps to do so.

Removing Quick Access can help reduce clutter and improve your workflow if you rarely use those shortcuts. It also enhances privacy by not showing recently accessed files directly in File Explorer.

This step-by-step guide explains how to hide or disable Quick Access in Windows 11. No advanced skills are needed, and we will cover multiple methods so you can choose what works best for you.

Follow along carefully, and you’ll have a cleaner File Explorer experience in just a few minutes.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

Windows 11 installed and updated to the latest version.
Basic familiarity with File Explorer navigation.
Administrator access if you choose to use Registry Editor (an advanced method).

It’s always a good idea to create a system restore point or backup important files before making changes to system settings or the registry.

How to Remove Quick Access in Windows 11: Step-by-Step

Method 1: Unpin All Items in Quick Access

This is the simplest way to clean up Quick Access by removing all pinned folders. It doesn’t disable the feature but makes it look empty.

Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E or clicking its icon on the taskbar.
In the left sidebar, you will see Quick Access at the top.
Right-click on any folder under Quick Access and select Unpin from Quick Access.
Repeat this for all pinned folders until Quick Access shows no pinned items.

Why this helps: Unpinning removes the clutter of shortcuts, making Quick Access less distracting. However, recent files and frequent folders may still appear.

Method 2: Disable Showing Recent Files and Frequent Folders

Windows 11 shows recent files and frequently used folders in Quick Access by default. You can turn these off to keep it empty.

Open File Explorer.
Click on the three dots (ellipsis) menu at the top and select Options.
In the Folder Options window, under the General tab, look for the Privacy section at the bottom.
Uncheck both Show recently used files in Quick Access and Show frequently used folders in Quick Access.
Click Clear to remove existing history, and then click OK to save changes.

Why this matters: Disabling these options stops Quick Access from updating with new files or folders, keeping it effectively empty and less intrusive.

Method 3: Remove Quick Access from File Explorer Navigation Pane (Advanced)

If you want to completely remove Quick Access from File Explorer’s sidebar, you will need to edit the Windows Registry. This method requires caution.

Important: Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Please back up your registry before proceeding.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTCLSID{679f85cb-0220-4080-b29b-5540cc05aab6}ShellFolder
Right-click ShellFolder and select Permissions.
Click Advanced, then change the owner to your user account.
Grant yourself full control permissions and apply the changes.
Locate the Attributes DWORD on the right pane.
Double-click Attributes and change its value from a0100000 to a0600000.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

After restarting, Quick Access will no longer appear in File Explorer’s navigation pane.

Why this step is advanced: It involves system-level changes. Only perform this if you are comfortable with Windows internals and can restore your system if needed.

Alternative Methods

If you prefer not to edit the registry, you can:

Use third-party tools designed to customize File Explorer, but be cautious about security.
Create a new shortcut to This PC and replace File Explorer’s default start location to avoid landing on Quick Access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I restore Quick Access after removing it?

Yes, if you used the registry method, you can revert the Attributes value back to a0100000 and restart your PC to restore Quick Access.

Does removing Quick Access affect file access speed?

No, it only changes what you see in File Explorer. You can still access all your files and folders normally.

Why can’t I unpin some items from Quick Access?

Some system folders or shortcuts may be protected. You can clear recent files and frequent folders via Folder Options or consider the registry method for complete removal.

Is it safe to edit the registry to remove Quick Access?

Editing the registry carries risks if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry or create a system restore point before making changes.

How do I clear recent files without disabling Quick Access?

Go to Folder Options > Privacy, and click Clear to delete the history without changing display settings.

When Nothing Works

If you encounter issues or Quick Access still appears despite following these steps, try the following:

Restart your computer to ensure changes take effect.
Run Windows Update to ensure your system is fully patched.
Use the System File Checker tool (sfc /scannow) to repair system files.
Visit the official Microsoft Support website for detailed help and troubleshooting guides: support.microsoft.com/windows.

Conclusion

Removing or disabling Quick Access in Windows 11 is straightforward when you know the right steps. Starting with unpinning folders and clearing recent files helps create a cleaner File Explorer experience. For complete removal, the registry editing method is effective but should be used carefully.

Choose the method that best fits your comfort level and needs. With Quick Access removed or disabled, you can enjoy a more focused and private file navigation experience in Windows 11.