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Why is Favorites and Recent missing from File Explorer in Windows 11?

Anonymous
2023-03-11T05:44:24+00:00

Even though I have added files to Favorites in the File Explorer, the File Explorer just does not show Favorites.

There used to have Recent files in Windows 10, but now I don't see any Recent files being listed with the new Windows 11.

Did the Restore Defaults in the File Options under the 3 dots ''...'' makes no difference.

Please help me to turn on Favorites and Recent in File Explorer in my laptop running Windows 11.

Thank you!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-08-08T16:07:10+00:00

    You claim, "In Windows 10/11, the feature previously known as "Favorites" has been replaced by "Quick access."

    This is not entirely true because there are loads of people using Windows 11 with favorites. Before having this issue, I used favorites section every day. Also, my colleague has Windows 11 and still uses it, so I don't know why it works for him.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-16T13:58:43+00:00

    This is frustrating - I just did a Windows 11 update and now my favorites in File Manager are missing. I did not make any changes to my PC.

    No clue what caused my favorites to suddenly be missing from File Manager.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-11-07T20:56:28+00:00

    Having exactly the same situation here, it disappeared after the last update, I'm currently using Windows 11 Pro 22H2 22621.2506

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2023-03-12T03:29:37+00:00

    Hi Paulo,

    I have perform updates in Windows, but File Explorer is still not showing Favorites and Recent sections.

    Run Windows in-place upgrade, the Windows IOS, which does the installation and restarts, still not showing Favorites and Recent sections.

    What is wrong with File Explorer in Windows 11?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2023-03-11T08:07:14+00:00

    Hi Paulo GM,

    Thanks so much for your prompt reply.

    Answers to your questions:

    1. No, both Favorites and Recent sections are NOT visible in File Explorer Home.
    2. ''the three dots icon > Options from the File Explorer and check General tab > Privacy if the options under it are enabled.'' All 3 options are enabled.

    I have run both reg files.

    Refresh and close the File Explorer, still does not have the Favorites ( I have added files to Favorites) and Recent sections.

    Shutdown the laptop, still does not have these 2 sections.

    Thank you!

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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