How to Stop File Explorer from Adding to Quick Access
If you’re using Windows and have noticed that File Explorer keeps adding items to the Quick Access section, it can be quite frustrating. Quick Access is a convenient feature that provides quick access to frequently used files and folders, but sometimes it can get cluttered with items you don’t need. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to stop File Explorer from adding items to Quick Access, ensuring a cleaner and more organized experience.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
The first step to stop File Explorer from adding items to Quick Access is to open the File Explorer itself. You can do this by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar, or by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
Step 2: Customize Quick Access
Once File Explorer is open, click on the “View” tab at the top of the window. In the “Layout” group, you will find the “Quick Access” button. Click on it to open the Quick Access settings.
Step 3: Modify Quick Access Settings
In the Quick Access settings, you will see a list of options. Look for the “Show all folders” option and uncheck it. This will prevent File Explorer from adding folders to Quick Access.
Step 4: Manage Recent Files and Folders
If you want to stop File Explorer from adding recent files and folders to Quick Access, you need to modify the “History” settings. Click on the “Change how we recover deleted files and previous versions of files” link.
Step 5: Adjust the History Settings
In the next window, you will find the “History” settings. Here, you can adjust the number of recent files and folders that are displayed in Quick Access. To stop File Explorer from adding items, set the number to zero and click “OK”.
Step 6: Reset Quick Access
If you want to reset Quick Access completely and remove all items from it, click on the “Reset” button in the Quick Access settings. This will clear the Quick Access section and start fresh.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can successfully stop File Explorer from adding items to Quick Access. This will help you maintain a cleaner and more organized experience in Windows. Remember that you can always revisit these settings and make adjustments as needed. Happy computing!