In Excel, how do I remove the Quick Access pane in the File Save interface?

After a while, I realize how futile this and any other forum or suggestion or complaint forum is when it comes to the lack of care from Microsoft. Clearly, posting anything as an opposition or complaint to the entity of micro - shaft, isn't and never will work. Face it, mircosoft only cares about their bottom dollar. They get it by forcing compliance into their way, regardless of users or consumers.
It's apparent in all they do. ads this, tracking that, 'required' (ludicrous as it is) telemetry. Clearly they don't respect users, only how much data and thereby revenue they can garner.
if you want control, lack of tracking, and responses from respectful companies, clearly Linux is the best choice.
I only use microsoft as an os or their products because this is my work computer. My home network is stable and secure, free from tracking, telemetry and advertisements.
I own my computer and have every right to make the decisions of which software and hardware I choose to use.
I also know my little rant here will fall of both deaf ears and microsoft fanboys, but truly don't care.

I choose to express my ideas in a free world.

If anyone truly wishes to stop the invasiveness, telemetry, adverising and overall disdain by microsoft and other companies then jump their ship. Lack of sales and user base will cripple microsoft, and rightly so.

I think I found a solution, at least the Teams channels are no longer in my Excel and Word save dialog.

Create the following registry entries (Win-Key + R, "regedit", Enter):

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer]

ShowCloudFilesInQuickAccess REG_DWORD 0

ShowFrequent REG_DWORD 0

ShowRecent REG_DWORD 0

ShowRecommendations REG_DWORD 0

These are equivalent to the privacy options in "Folder Options->General" in the Windows Explorer.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\common\privacy]

disconnectedstate REG_DWORD 2

Beware, this option disables all Add-Ins in Office applications. This option can also be set in any (recent) Office application under "File->Options->Trust Center->Trust Center Settings…->Privacy Options->Privacy Settings...", see https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/privacy/manage-privacy-controls.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\ClientTelemetry]

DisableTelemetry REG_DWORD 1

Upvote if it works for you. :-)

There's no way my company would allow me to have admin rights to modify my computer. Thanks anyway.

I tried this registry hack on my workstation and laptop at work, and it worked even without admin rights!!

Thank you for your help!

It's ridiculous that we must hack the registry to undo a Microsoft "improvement". 😡

Registry Hack worked for me too, although I do have limited admin rights. Our software installs are governed by 3rd party security software, not windows Group Policy.