To remove or hide "Quick Access" in Windows 11, you can use several methods ranging from simple interface settings to advanced registry edits. In current versions of Windows 11, "Quick Access" has been rebranded as Home in the navigation pane. Microsoft Learn +1 Option 1: The "Soft" Removal (Recommended) This method changes where File Explorer opens and stops Windows from tracking your recent files and frequent folders. This is the safest way to effectively ignore the feature. TunesBro +1 Open
Open , click the three-dot menu (...) , and select Options . In the General tab, set "Open File Explorer to" to This PC . windows 11 remove quick access
Note: Modifying the registry can cause system instability if instructions are not followed perfectly. Create a system restore point before proceeding. Remove Quick Access totally - Microsoft Q&A To remove or hide "Quick Access" in Windows
Click the icon located on the top command bar. Select Options to bring up the Folder Options panel. This is the safest way to effectively ignore the feature
If you like having pinned folders (like Desktop or Downloads) but hate the "Recent Files" section cluttering up the view, you can split the difference.