How To Remove Quick Access From File Explorer Instant

Result: Quick Access will still exist, but it will no longer track your activity or clutter itself with random folders you open.

In the section at the bottom of the General tab, uncheck these boxes: Show recently used files in Quick access Show frequently used folders in Quick access how to remove quick access from file explorer

For users who wish to remove the Quick Access section entirely from the left-hand navigation pane, a more definitive approach is required, but it involves a simple setting change. Returning to the "Folder Options" dialog (accessible via the "View" tab as described above), one must find the "Open File Explorer to:" dropdown menu. By default, this is set to "Quick Access." Changing this setting to "This PC" ensures that every time File Explorer launches, it displays the classic drive and folder view instead of the Quick Access view. While this does not delete the Quick Access entry from the sidebar, it effectively bypasses it as the default landing page, drastically reducing its prominence. This is often sufficient for those who simply find Quick Access an annoying default starting point. Result: Quick Access will still exist, but it

If you want to keep the Quick Access section but stop it from automatically listing your activity, follow these steps: Open (via the three dots in Explorer). By default, this is set to "Quick Access