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

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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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-11-16T11:58:46+00:00

    Hello Scott,
    Were you able to get your Quick Access items to reappear?

    If not, it is a three-pronged approach.

    1. In the Privacy section of the Folder Options, set Open File Explorer to: Home.
    2. In the Privacy section, deselect these check boxes:
      • 'Show recommended section'
      • 'Include account-based insights, recent, favorite, and recommended files.'
    3. Select the View tab and scroll down to Navigation pane and select check box 'Show all folders'.

    Close and reopen your File Explorer and your Quick Access items should appear in the Navigation Pane as well as at the top of the File Explorer window.

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-16T17:23:25+00:00

    Thank you!!! This worked!!!

    Now Ravi... thanks for trying to help but expert user???

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-11-17T02:59:38+00:00

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

    Thank you this worked for me!

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-11-17T09:42:21+00:00

    Yes unchecking the show recommended button works.

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