Share via

folders don't show up on left column of File Explorer below "This PC"?

AshPkt-9583 0 Reputation points
2026-02-17T13:05:20.98+00:00

Got a new laptop running windows 11 instead of windows 10. File Explorer UI is a bit different and now all my file folders dont show up below the small icon of "This PC". Can anyone explain? Thx

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

4 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. EmilyS_726 14,780 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-02-17T14:09:57.45+00:00

    pinned folders need to be re-pinned, they are device specific, and don't sync across devices.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Paulo GM 60,945 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-02-17T13:56:48.01+00:00

    Hi,

    As Anthony mentioned, the design of Windows 11 is different from Windows 10. In addition, the pinned Quick Access items can no longer be expanded the way they were before. As an alternative, you can switch back to the default view with Show all folders turned off, then turn on Show libraries instead so you can still access your pinned items along with expandable library folders.

    0 comments
  3. Anthony Lee 1,140 Reputation points
    2026-02-17T13:29:59.5933333+00:00

    The way windows 11 was designed, the removal of the default folders under This PC was intended. Microsoft is intending the Home folder in Windows 11 to store them. You can pin your folders to home.

    Your folders are located under Local Disc > Users > Your username.

    If you want to pin a folder with your username to the desktop, go to Settings > Personalization > Themes > Desktop icon settings and check the box next to your username folder.

    0 comments
  4. Q&A Assist
    2026-02-17T13:05:35.07+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    In Windows 11, the File Explorer interface has undergone some changes compared to Windows 10. If your folders are not showing up below "This PC" in the left column, it could be due to the new layout and settings in Windows 11. Here are a few things you can check:

    1. Navigation Pane Settings: Ensure that the Navigation Pane is set to show your folders. You can do this by right-clicking in the Navigation Pane area and selecting "Show all folders".
    2. Folder Options: Check your Folder Options settings. You can access this by going to the "View" menu in File Explorer and selecting "Options". Make sure that the settings are configured to display folders as you prefer.
    3. File Explorer Updates: Sometimes, updates or changes in settings can affect how items are displayed. Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date, as updates can fix bugs or issues related to the File Explorer interface.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may want to explore the settings further or consult additional resources for troubleshooting File Explorer in Windows 11.

    References:

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.