Why did all my Windows 11 Pro Explorer Favorites disappear on 2023-09-27 after latest Windows Update?

Question

After I installed the latest Windows Updates on September 28, 2023 on my Windows 11 Pro laptop, all of my Windows Explorer "favorites" disappeared. Why?

Even when I attempt to add a new Windows Explorer "favorite" it doesn't show up.

WinVer.exe reports Version 22H2 (OS Build 22621.2361)

Answer 1

Hello

It seems that there have been similar reports of File Explorer not working properly after the latest Windows 11 update. Here are some potential solutions you could try:

Restart Windows Explorer: Open Task Manager (right-click the Start button), show More Details, then choose the Processes tab, scroll down to Windows Processes, then further down almost to the bottom to Windows Explorer. Right click to Restart Explorer, then Restart PC.

System Restore: If this issue started after a Windows Update, see if you can System Restore to a point before the problem started.

Update Your Drivers: Update your drivers from the PC maker’s Support Downloads webpage for your exact model.

Check for Updates: Expedite install of all Windows Updates in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates, including needed restarts, then go back to check again until no more are offered.

Disable “Show all folders” Option: Disable the “Show all folders” option in the context menu for the left-hand panel in Explorer.

Restore Old Favorites: Right-click the Favorites directory and choose Properties from the menu. Now navigate to Previous Version tab. Select the older version and click on Open or Restore.

Please remember to back up your data before making any changes to your system.