I cannot find Quick Access in the new updated file explorer.

Anonymous
2023-09-27T14:02:02+00:00

I completed the latest Windows update this morning and opened File Explorer, and the quick access was missing. I can still add files to quick access, but it is nowhere to be seen. When I search the internet, they refer to how great the new file explorer is. Without quick access, it is pretty useless to me, and I want to find out how to get it back.

I do not have AAD. However, the descriptions I see on the internet imply that I am looking at the AAD version and not the consumer version. A lot of the information to describe the new file explorer states the following "Users signed in with Azure Active Directory (AAD) will see a recommended files strip with thumbnail previews. Consumer devices will only show the “Quick Access”, “Favorites” and “Recent” sections."

I wish to see the “Quick Access”, “Favorites” and “Recent” sections." but cannot work out how to do it.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2023-09-29T08:01:11+00:00

Hi,
Same problem here.
Under Privacy, here is just no such setting. All I can see is:
Image

What can I do now? I just can't pin anything. Can't add folders to Home. Best I can do is pin them to Start which is far from ideal.

Thanks

Quentin

I fixed this by un-checking the Show Recommended Section option.

Quick access tiles are back, but they are now arranged in a horizontal list. Seems like a couple of bugs here. But at least I have my quick action icons back.

Was this answer helpful?

800+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

202 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2023-09-28T20:46:48+00:00

    Hi,
    Same problem here.
    Under Privacy, here is just no such setting. All I can see is:

    What can I do now? I just can't pin anything. Can't add folders to Home. Best I can do is pin them to Start which is far from ideal.

    Thanks

    Quentin

    Was this answer helpful?

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-09-27T16:38:55+00:00

    Hey Ron!

    My name is Ravi, an independent advisor and expert user. I am happy to help you. :)

    Please try following these steps to restore Quick Access:

    1. Open File Explorer.
    2. Click on the "View" tab at the top.
    3. Click on "Options" on the right side.
    4. In the "Folder Options" window that appears, select the "General" tab.
    5. Under the "Privacy" section, check the box next to "Show recently used files in Quick access".
    6. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

    Feel free to get in touch again if you have any additional questions.

    Cheers,

    Ravi

    Was this answer helpful?

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments