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
    2023-04-16T11:49:07+00:00

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

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-05-10T16:02:34+00:00

    No longer works after latest 2023-05 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 (KB5026372) :-(

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-05-10T17:29:04+00:00

    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.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-05-10T18:16:20+00:00

    That's what I used to do, but after the update it no longer works for me

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-05-11T00:19:49+00:00

    Wow. Thank you, Jamie! This solved the problem that has been bothering me for a long time! Really appreciate your post!

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