Quick Access in Windows 11 is a convenient feature that shows frequently used folders and recent files right in File Explorer. However, some users find it frustrating when Windows automatically adds folders they don’t want, cluttering the sidebar. If you want more control over your Quick Access view, this guide will show you how to stop Windows 11 from automatically adding folders step by step.
Why Quick Access Automatically Adds Folders
By default, Windows 11 monitors your activity and adds frequently accessed folders to Quick Access. This behavior is designed to save time, but it can be annoying because:
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It adds folders you rarely want to see.
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Creates a cluttered sidebar.
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Makes it harder to quickly find the folders you actually use.
Step 1: Open File Explorer Options
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Open File Explorer (Win + E).
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Click on the three dots (… ) in the toolbar.
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Select Options.
This opens the Folder Options dialog where you can configure Quick Access behavior.
Step 2: Stop Recent Folders from Appearing
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In the Folder Options window, under the General tab, look for Privacy at the bottom.
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Uncheck:
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Show recently used files in Quick Access
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Show frequently used folders in Quick Access
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Click Apply and then OK.
This prevents Windows 11 from automatically adding folders and recent files to Quick Access.
Step 3: Clear Current Quick Access Items (Optional)
If you already have unwanted folders in Quick Access:
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Go back to File Explorer Options > Privacy.
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Click Clear next to Clear File Explorer history.
This removes all current pinned or automatically added folders, giving you a clean Quick Access view.
Step 4: Pin Only the Folders You Want
After disabling automatic additions, you can manually pin the folders you use frequently:
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Navigate to the folder you want to pin.
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Right-click the folder and select Pin to Quick Access.
Now, Quick Access will only show folders you deliberately choose.
Step 5: Use Group Policy (Advanced Users)
For more advanced control, you can prevent Windows from updating Quick Access entirely via Group Policy:
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Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
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Navigate to:
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Double-click Do not keep history of recently opened documents and enable it.
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Apply changes and restart File Explorer.
⚠️ Note: Group Policy is available only in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Tips to Manage Quick Access Effectively
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Regularly Pin Important Folders – Keeps your Quick Access sidebar tidy.
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Clear History Occasionally – Removes clutter without affecting pinned folders.
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Use Folders as Shortcuts – If you have network drives or shared folders, pin them for easy access.
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Customize the Sidebar – Drag and drop frequently used folders for quicker access.
Common Issues and Fixes
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Quick Access Still Shows Folders: Make sure both options under Privacy are unchecked and clear the history.
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Folders Reappear After Restart: Check for synced accounts or cloud storage apps that may re-add folders.
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Missing Quick Access: If Quick Access disappears completely, reset File Explorer settings to default.
Why Customize Quick Access?
Customizing Quick Access helps:
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Reduce Clutter – Only see what you need.
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Improve Productivity – Access important folders faster.
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Maintain Privacy – Avoid exposing frequently used folders on shared computers.
Final Thoughts
Quick Access is a powerful tool in Windows 11, but letting it auto-populate folders can be distracting. By following these steps, you can stop Quick Access from adding folders automatically, clear unwanted items, and pin only the folders you care about. Think of it as decluttering your digital workspace—less noise, more focus.
FAQs
1. Can I restore Quick Access to default behavior later?
Yes, just check Show recently used files and Show frequently used folders in File Explorer Options.
2. Will unchecking these options remove pinned folders?
No, pinned folders remain; only automatic additions are stopped.
3. Does this affect all users on the PC?
No, these settings apply to the current user account only.
4. Can I stop Quick Access from tracking recent files too?
Yes, unchecking Show recently used files in Quick Access stops file tracking.
5. How do I remove a single folder from Quick Access?
Right-click the folder in Quick Access and select Unpin from Quick Access.