Key points
- If you’re looking to regain control over your Windows 10 desktop and customize it to your liking, removing Quick Access is the first step.
- It’s a good idea in theory, but in practice, it can become a cluttered mess, especially for users who prefer a clean and organized desktop.
- Press the Windows key ++ E or click the File Explorer icon on your taskbar.
Are you tired of seeing the same files and folders every time you open File Explorer? Does Quick Access feel more like “Quick Clutter” to you? If you’re looking to regain control over your Windows 10 desktop and customize it to your liking, removing Quick Access is the first step. This blog post will guide you through the process, step-by-step, so you can finally say goodbye to unwanted files and embrace a clean, personalized experience.
Understanding Quick Access: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Quick Access, introduced in Windows 10, aims to make accessing frequently used files and folders quicker. It’s a good idea in theory, but in practice, it can become a cluttered mess, especially for users who prefer a clean and organized desktop.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Convenience: Quick Access can be a time-saver if you frequently access certain files or folders.
- Personalized: Windows automatically adds files you’ve recently opened or modified to Quick Access, making it a dynamic list that adapts to your usage.
Cons:
- Cluttered Interface: Quick Access can quickly become a jumbled mess, especially if you frequently work with many files or folders.
- Privacy Concerns: Quick Access can display personal files, which may not be desirable for users who share their computer.
- Lack of Control: You have limited control over which files and folders appear in Quick Access.
Method 1: Turning Off Quick Access in File Explorer
This method is the fastest and easiest way to remove Quick Access from your File Explorer. Here’s how:
1. Open File Explorer: Press the Windows key ++ E or click the File Explorer icon on your taskbar.
2. Navigate to “View” Tab: Click the “View” tab at the top of the File Explorer window.
3. Uncheck “Show Quick Access” Option: Locate the “Show Quick Access” option, usually near the right side of the ribbon, and uncheck it.
4. Close and Reopen File Explorer: Close File Explorer and reopen it to see the changes.
Important Note: This method only hides Quick Access from your File Explorer. It doesn’t delete the feature, and it will still be accessible through other methods.
Method 2: Disabling Quick Access Through Settings
This method provides more granular control over Quick Access. You can disable it entirely or choose to keep it but customize its behavior. Follow these steps:
1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key ++ I or click the “Start” menu and select “Settings.”
2. Navigate to “Personalization” > “File Explorer“: Click on “Personalization” and then select “File Explorer” from the left-hand pane.
3. Disable “Show Recent Files” and “Show Frequent Folders“: Uncheck these options to prevent Quick Access from displaying recent files and frequently used folders.
4. Choose “This PC” as the Default: Under “Open File Explorer to,” select “This PC” to make it the default view.
This method ensures that Quick Access is completely removed from your File Explorer and replaced with the traditional “This PC” view.
Method 3: Deleting the Quick Access Folder
This method is more advanced and involves manually deleting the Quick Access folder. It’s not recommended for beginners, as it can potentially disrupt other system functionalities.
1. Navigate to the Quick Access Folder: Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location: `C:Users[Your Username]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsRecent`
2. Delete the “AutomaticDestinations” Folder: Delete the “AutomaticDestinations” folder within the “Recent” folder.
3. Restart File Explorer: Close File Explorer and reopen it to see the changes.
Caution: Deleting the “AutomaticDestinations” folder may cause issues if you rely on Quick Access features. It’s best to use this method as a last resort.
Method 4: Using Registry Editor
This method is the most advanced and requires caution. Modifying the Windows Registry can lead to system instability if not done correctly.
1. Open Registry Editor: Press the Windows key ++ R, type “regedit” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Quick Access Key: Navigate to the following registry key: `HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced`
3. Modify the “ShowMyFiles” Value: Double-click the “ShowMyFiles” value and change its data to “0”.
4. Close Registry Editor and Restart: Close Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Important Note: Make sure to create a backup of your registry before making any changes.
Beyond Quick Access: Customizing Your File Explorer
Removing Quick Access is just the first step towards a personalized and efficient File Explorer experience. Here are some additional tips:
- Customize the Ribbon: Right-click on the File Explorer ribbon and select “Customize the Ribbon.” You can add or remove buttons to suit your needs.
- Create and Pin Folders: Create folders for specific types of files and pin them to the navigation pane for easy access.
- Use File Explorer Options: Go to “File” > “Change folder and search options” to customize various settings, such as folder view options, search behavior, and more.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Personalized File Explorer
By removing Quick Access, you can reclaim control over your Windows 10 desktop and create a personalized File Explorer experience that works best for you. Whether you choose to disable it entirely or simply customize its behavior, the methods outlined in this post will guide you towards a cleaner and more efficient workflow.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Will removing Quick Access delete my files?
A: No, removing Quick Access will not delete your files. It only removes the display of recent files and frequent folders from the File Explorer.
Q: Can I restore Quick Access after removing it?
A: Yes, you can restore Quick Access by following the same steps mentioned above but checking the appropriate options instead of unchecking them.
Q: What are the best alternatives to Quick Access?
A: There are several alternatives to Quick Access, including:
- Favorites: You can add files and folders to your Favorites for quick access.
- Pinned Folders: Pin important folders to the navigation pane for easy access.
- Third-party File Management Tools: Explore tools like File Explorer Plus or FreeCommander to manage your files more efficiently.
Q: Is it safe to delete the “AutomaticDestinations” folder?
A: While it’s generally safe to delete the “AutomaticDestinations” folder, it’s not recommended unless you’re comfortable with advanced system modifications. It’s best to use this method as a last resort.
Q: Will removing Quick Access affect my Windows updates?
A: No, removing Quick Access will not affect your Windows updates. It’s a separate feature and doesn’t interfere with system updates.