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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-10-16T16:36:33+00:00

    Do you suggest anything else for Windows #10

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-10-21T13:59:02+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.

    You are the GOAT! Thank you for this.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-10-26T22:24:56+00:00

    You’re a **** genius, I logged into my account here just to tell you how much I love you

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-14T06:41:34+00:00

    I ran into this problem also and no solutions worked but I found one which did after some experimentation.

    Windows 11 Home 23H2

    In Explorer check:

    "..." -> Options -> View -> Show Network

    and

    "..." -> Options -> View -> Show This PC

    If BOTH of those are unchecked you will be unable to manually arrange the quick access folders. I had to check at least one of those items to be able to manually arrange the quick access folders.

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  5. Anonymous
    2024-11-19T18:23:34+00:00

    Nice! This worked, and the order was maintained after re-checking the Show All Folders so the Quick Access was back at the top.

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