In Windows 11 file explorer navigation pane, how do I move Quick Access pins back to the top of the list?

Hi Paul. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

Are you able to drag Quick Access category to the top?

Make sure you have Quick Access selected over This PC in File Explorer > View > Options > Change Folder and Search Options > General tab > Open File Explorer to > Quick Access.

You can also try these methods leading up to if necessary Resetting Quick Access to see if that helps:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pin...

https://superuser.com/questions/1414012/keep-de...

https://www.guidingtech.com/how-to-use-quick-ac...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkRXc5wLWFg

If none of this works and you want to report this to Microsoft you may be able to help improve this product/experience by using the Feedback Hub in Start Menu, especially if you are willing to share logs and other requested information. While they will probably not see this here in the forums, Microsoft developers DO read feedback from customers that comes in via the Feedback Hub, so that is a great way to share your thoughts on how to better serve you as a customer.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on detailed results you post back I will have other suggestions if necessary.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Unfortunately, I know of no way to achieve that natively with an updated Windows 11. All I can suggest is that you open the Feedback Hub (Windows key + F) and express your ideas/disapproval regarding the changes Microsoft made.

Thanks, Greg, but my question pertains to the most recent update to Windows 11, which handles the Navigation Pane and quick access differently than Windows 10.

Thanks, Paul, for clarifying. Normally Windows 11 repairs work in WIndows 10 since essentially it's the same OS with a different GUI.

Have you tried resetting Quick Access to see if that helps:
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/customize-quic...

Other fixes that might work here:
https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-fix-quick-... Has it been this way ever since you upgraded to WIndows 11? Did it ever work they way you want in Windows 11? This may not be a feature of Windows 11 any longer. If not then I'd express your opinion in the Feedback Hub.

If so then see if you can See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started:
https://itechhacks.com/system-restore-windows-11/ System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began like a time machine. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started. If System Restore is not enabled on C drive do that now so it's available in the future.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.droidwin.com/how-to-stop-only-a-spe...

f that doesn't help sometimes it can be due to a corrupted user account. Test for account corruption is creating a new Local Admin account to see if the problem goes away.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/cre...

Sign into the new account, test it works correctly, if so move files over, test all apps work or reinstall any that don't. Then when ready delete the old account in Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users, or change it to a Local Account in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a Local Account Instead..

You can change the new account to your Microsoft account if desired in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a Microsoft Account Instead.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on detailed results you post back I will have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

In the new File Explorer app, they have made the left navigation pane very minimal, to make it more like the old version, the only option is to right click an empty spot in the navigation pane and turn on the option - Show All folders.