Quick Access not showing in navigation pane since Windows 11 update

Question

I updated to the latest version of Windows 11 yesterday. When I opened File Explorer, Quick access and recent files/folders were showing to the right of the window, but the Quick Access folder option was missing from the navigation panel on the left. So if I click away from this Window I've lost Quick Access. How do I re-enable Quick Access to the left part of the navigation pane?

Please look at the screenshot before replying. Quick Access is enabled in view mode options and can be seen, but is missing from the left side of the navigation pane.

Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

I completely agree as I used my Quick Access multiple times a day. As an actually busy professional who has to multi task I have to jump between folders all day. I also have my File Explorer open all day and very rarely close it because I have to use it so frequently.

It really feels like the MS Developers didn't take into consideration anyone actually using the progam in a professional setting.

I have not had much I really like about Windows 11 the best I can say for it is it is better than Windows 8 and thats about it. I have spend the last 2 days after being required to move to Windows 11 by my employer Googling how to fix what was changed or find what I use to have.

This is really helping me know I will most likely not upgrade my personal computers to Windows 11 and will stick with Windows 10.

Answer 2

To see your Quick Access items in the lefthand nav bar:

You must unclick "Show All Folders" by right-clicking in the empty space on the lefthand nav (easiest at the bottom), then in the list of 5 items that popup make sure to uncheck "Show All Folders". Or uncheck in Options-->"View" tab-->"Navigation pane" at the bottom of the list-->"Show all folders" make sure to uncheck.

Show Libraries simply adds a folder icon that when clicked shows the default system libraries and has no effect on showing Quick Access items in the lefthand nav. Same with Show Network, just adds an expandable icon.

Answer 3

The Quick Access link is in the RECENT navigation pane where CONTROL PANEL and SETTINGS are (Using the SEARCH Bar), but it is not in the WINDOWS nav pane. Quick Access is not visible in the Windows nav pane. It used to come up automatically when I selected HOME in the nav pane, but no more.

Answer 4

How can I start a petition to "Bring Back the File Cabinet Metaphor". MS has gone out of its way to force us to use their cloud and make Windows simple for idiots while people who use it daily, not even power users, are hamstrung by marketing wiseguys.

Answer 5

You are absolutely right MikeuzD., but MS does not give a d''' for our complains. They do what they want, did it in the past , now and in the future. If you now right-click on a folder, you still get the option to add it to Quick Access and not to Home. If they change something they don't look at the consequences.. We live in a dystopian world!!