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

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-07-03T02:10:53+00:00

    I'll leave my experience solving this problem here. I'm on Windows 11 23H2 Build 22631.3810. Using ExplorerPatcher v. 22621.3527.65.5 to customize the Windows desktop.

    I was having the problem of not being able to move or re-arrange any of my Quick access pinned folder shortcuts in the left-side Navigation Pane.

    Here's how I was able to "fix" it:

    Right-click the lower left area of the window (below the bar separating your pinned folders from the Library). Make sure ONLY 'Show Libraries' is checked, 'Show All Folders' and 'Expand to Current Folder' should be unchecked. You can also access these options under Options --> View --> Advanced Settings --> Navigation Pane.
    I can't at all say if this will work for anyone else, but it worked for me. I am ONLY able to move and re-arrange my Quick Access pinned folders if 'Show Libraries' is checked. If its unchecked, I can't move them. Kinda goofy cause it forces me to enable a Windows Explorer element I don't want to be enabled. Typical Windows...

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-06-11T20:25:53+00:00

    UPDATE to: SORTING FILE EXPLORER’s “Quick Access” column.

    My earlier suggestion seemingly stopped working so I re-evaluated, and hopefully this will be a longer holding and real fix :::

    Right Click on “Quick Access” tab, click “Options”, click “View” tab, then scroll down and under Navigation click “Expand to open Folder” be sure the check boxes are all blank. Now, right click on “Quick Access” again, and click “Open in new window”!!! That should do it, and I am a total novice, only done by trial and error.

    My problem was it was not sequencing my Quick Access column by the numbers, such as:::

    24-8077

    24-8078

    24-8079

    24-8080

    Hoping it continues to work!!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-06-11T12:32:10+00:00

    This definitely worked for me. I moved one last week and couldn't figure out how to do it again until I read your post! Thank you!!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-06-04T02:42:16+00:00

    untick everything you can under that menu. works for me.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-06-03T20:47:42+00:00

    For me I think it was the 'Expand to open folder' button I had to untick.

    THX David,

    I started with File, Options, View, then under Navigation, i clicked on Expand to open Folder and it worked!!! been aggravating me a couple of weeks now, may help my blood pressure?

    Again Thx!!! and God Bless You and yours, First John 2:6

    PS - if u ever figure out what caused it let us know, just curious. Paul Glenn

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