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
    2022-12-15T06:48:19+00:00

    Hello thistlillo75

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    I am now using the new version File Explorer and I am able to sort the items in Quick Access with any order I want, so I guess the "evil creature"

    which you mentioned, could be the cause of the issue. I think we can try a Windows clean boot first, to see if we can temporarily disable it.

    How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support

    Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background program is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem. <br><br>These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get you back on track.

    Best Regards,

    Tommy-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-12-15T07:41:30+00:00

    Thank you for your answer.

    I was able to sort folders in Quick Access the first time I started this PC.

    Since the PC came with quite some bloatware, I made a clean installation of Windows 11.

    Now I have installed the software I need for working and nothing else.

    I know I can and how to perform a clean boot, but I do not understand what I could get from it. If I can "reorder" these items (like when I reinstalled windows), how do I detect the software preventing me from doing what I would like to do? If I detect it, since there are only work-related applications, what do I do?

    Furthermore, how can I detect the software preventing FIle Explorer to display one folder before another one?

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-12-15T11:31:35+00:00

    Nothing changes.

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