How to Remove Folders from File Explorer Windows 10
If you’re using Windows 10 and find that certain folders are cluttering your File Explorer, you might be wondering how to remove them. Whether it’s due to a mistake or simply a preference, removing folders from File Explorer can help streamline your experience and make it easier to navigate your files. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to remove folders from File Explorer in Windows 10.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
The first step in removing folders from File Explorer is to open the File Explorer application. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar, or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Navigate to the Folder
Once File Explorer is open, navigate to the folder you want to remove. This could be a folder on your desktop, in a specific drive, or within a subfolder.
Step 3: Right-click on the Folder
With the folder selected, right-click on it to open a context menu. This menu will provide you with various options for managing the folder.
Step 4: Select ‘Delete’
In the context menu, select the ‘Delete’ option. A confirmation dialog will appear, asking you to confirm the deletion. Click ‘Yes’ to proceed.
Step 5: Remove the Folder from File Explorer
After confirming the deletion, the folder will be removed from your File Explorer. However, it’s important to note that the folder will still exist on your computer. Deleting a folder from File Explorer only removes it from the navigation pane and the quick access area.
Step 6: Clean Up the Navigation Pane
If you want to remove the folder from the navigation pane entirely, you’ll need to modify the registry. Before proceeding, make sure to back up your registry to prevent any potential issues. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type ‘regedit’ and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders
4. Look for the key named ‘User Shell Folders’ and double-click on it.
5. In the ‘Value data’ field, find the folder path you want to remove and delete it.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
By following these steps, you should be able to remove folders from File Explorer in Windows 10. Remember to exercise caution when modifying the registry, as incorrect changes can cause system instability.
