This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(9.6, 8%, 10%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EG%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
the preview pane takes up too much space. I've seen comments on how to disable the preview, but not remove the entire pane panel.
Marcelo, it forces me to choose either Preview Pane or Details Pane, that's it. It doesn't allow me to uncheck them, as you mentioned. And on my cpu, they are under the VIEW tab, not under the SHOW tab. I guess I am out of luck on this one. I did check the compact view which does help, but this is definitely not my favorite part of the update.
Thank you for your help!
Hi George,
Windows 11 doesn’t provide an option to completely remove the preview pane panel because it’s built into File Explorer’s layout. However you can hide both the Preview Pane and the Details Pane so the right-side panel disappears entirely.
To do this open File Explorer go to the View menu then select Show and make sure both Preview Pane and Details Pane are unchecked. By default one of them might be active so confirm that neither is selected. Once both are unchecked the right-side panel will be gone, giving you the full width for your files.
If you want this setting to apply everywhere open Options, choose Change folder and search options then under the View tab click Apply to Folders so the layout persists. For even more space you can also enable Compact View under the View menu.
Best regards,
Marcelo
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(32, 42%, 13%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EKW%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Marcelo,
Appreciate the post, but this isn't how File Explorer reacts (at least in Windows 11). I click on View and Details pane has a small dot to the left indicating that it's selected. Preview pane just below that isn't selected. I cannot unselect Details pane. I can select Preview pane which then deselects the Details pane. But I do NOT want either of these selected. As George stated, the panes take up way too much space. Do you have any solutions that work to disable both of these panes? (Again, I'll reiterate, I am NOT able to deselect the Details pane and I'm required to have one of the 2 selected: either Details or Preview). This is less than ideal and I'm surprised that MS would force this onto all users.
Update: Found this...https://www.elevenforum.com/t/show-or-hide-details-pane-in-file-explorer-in-windows-11.1774/
Seems like Alt - Shift - P work to toggle the pane off completely. Now I just need to test it to see if it "sticks" and stays that way (including after rebooting).
Hello George,
Thank you for reaching out with your question about the preview pane in File Explorer I understand how frustrating it can be when the preview pane takes up too much space and affects your workflow.
Many users prefer a cleaner interface so wanting to remove or hide that pane completely makes perfect sense. The preview pane is a built-in feature of File Explorer and while it cannot be permanently removed you can hide it to free up space.
To do this open File Explorer go to the View menu on the ribbon and select Preview pane to toggle it off. This will effectively remove the pane from view, if you want to ensure it stays hidden check your folder view settings or group policy if applicable as certain policies can enforce its visibility.
Could you confirm if you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11?
I hope this answer is helpful if you have further questions feel free to reply back
Regards,
Marcelo
My cpu updated, and I am using Windows 11. I tried toggling off, but there is only two toggle choices: Preview Pane or Details Pane. You have to choose one or the other.
