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
    2025-01-08T14:24:43+00:00

    **@**Mats Tengnér,

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING THIS!!! I can't tell you how aggravated I've been with the jumbled up list, and cannot for the life of me understand why MS didn't default uncheck "show all folders" for everyone!!! Thank you again!!!! You win the internet today in my book!!!

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-08T14:41:37+00:00

    Dusty'sMom here's the answer! Hope this helps!

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-08T21:56:05+00:00

    Thank you, I'll certainly give it a try. But I hate Gallery which is made saving photos a nightmare. At the end of the day I may just go back to good old Windows 10 - it was easier for me in so many ways. Take care.

    V.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-10T21:15:03+00:00

    Thanks! This works after a year of struggling and frustration putting up with the sort malfunction. LOL.

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  5. Anonymous
    2025-01-11T09:27:18+00:00

    I am used to having the folders I use constantly in my quick access menu.
    I am also used to being able to sort dem in my order of priority.
    But now Quick Acces insists on placing them i alphabetic order, which is NOT what I want.
    I feel I am loosing control of my PC.
    Why does it have to be so!

    AND: I do not want to program anything myself, I just want to be able to do what has been possible up to now. Why does things have to become so elaborate and difficult?

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