How to reorder items in Quick access (File explorer, Windows 11)

Anonymous
2022-12-14T15:33:05+00:00

I think my File Explorer (Windows 11) is possessed by an evil creature that enjoys rattling me. Every once in a while it decides to substitute my pinned folders with some random and mostly useless ones.

Today I decided to retry and re-organize that section of File explorer.

I am not able to sort the items I put in Quick Access. Folders are in a completely random order, not alphabetical, not based on usage. It is random.

When I try and move a folder, File Explorer put it back where it was.

This is an incredibly bad application. I fail in understanding how Microsoft is not able to provide a simple and functional File Explorer. I use also a Mac OS system and cannot belive how much better their simple Finder is. At least it enables users to organize their pinned locations as they like.

Is there anyone with a suggestion?

By the way. Besides the name, what do you think the difference between "Quick access" and "Favorites" is?

For the experts: reinstalling Windows is not an option.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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

191 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-02T20:28:01+00:00

    YES!! This worked AND it quit showing all the other files that were irritating me!

    THANKS!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-02T14:13:45+00:00

    Same problem frustrated me as well, but I found somewhere a hint which I tried, and within seconds had solved the issue.
    Open Folder options in File Explorer, go to Tab "View", scroll down to object group "Navigation pane".
    There: uncheck the box "Show all folders"
    That's all it takes, now I am fully able to arrange/rearrange/order my Qick Access objects. Still haven't found any negative bi-effects of it.

    .

    .

    .

    This worked for me. Thank you.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-12-15T09:50:44+00:00

    But not possible to sort the quick access items under home or to drag and drop.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-14T16:28:22+00:00

    YES YES YES!!! After I did this, my screen looked the same, however, when I tried to drag a folder to change the order it is in, it let me!!! Thank you so much. I was going crazy.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-12-06T21:09:37+00:00

    My problem is in Windows #10

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments