Personalization Add or Remove Folders under This PC in File Explorer in Windows 11


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This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the 3D Objects, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and/or Videos folder(s) in File Explorer > This PC for all users in Windows 11.

Starting with Windows 11 build 25136 and build 22621.160, Microsoft is introducing a refreshed layout of the left navigation pane in File Explorer which makes it easy for you to navigate to folders that matter to you.

Known Windows Folders which are available by default in the navigation pane are no longer displayed as a "Folders" group under This PC to keep that view focused for your PC’s drives.

If you like, you can add the 3D Objects, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, and/or Videos folder(s) back under "Folders" in File Explorer > This PC.


You must be signed in as an administrator to add or remove folders in File Explorer > This PC.

This does not add folders under "This PC" in the navigation pane of File Explorer.

This does not affect folders in the navigation pane.



Contents

  • Option One: Add Folders under This PC in File Explorer
  • Option Two: Remove Folders under This PC in File Explorer


EXAMPLE: Add Folders group under This PC in File Explorer

This_PC_Folders.png





Option One

Add Folders under This PC in File Explorer


1 Do step 2 (all), step 3 (3D Objects), step 4 (Desktop), step 5 (Documents), step 6 (Downloads), step 7 (Music), step 8 (Pictures), or step 9 (Videos) for the folder(s) you want to add.


 2. Add All Folders to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_all_folders_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; 3D Folders
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]

; Desktop
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

; Documents
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

; Downloads
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

; Music
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

; Pictures
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

; Videos
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 3. Add 3D Objects folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_3D_Objects_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]


 4. Add Desktop folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Desktop_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 5. Add Documents folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Documents_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 6. Add Downloads folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Downloads_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 7. Add Music folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Music_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 8. Add Pictures folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Pictures_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000


 8. Add Videos folder to This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Add_Videos_folder_to_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HideIfEnabled"=-

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000000

10 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

11 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

12 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

13 If File Explorer is currently open, then either refresh (F5) or close and reopen File Explorer to apply.

14 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file(s) if you like.




Option Two

Remove Folders under This PC in File Explorer


1 Do step 2 (all), step 3 (3D Objects), step 4 (Desktop), step 5 (Documents), step 6 (Downloads), step 7 (Music), step 8 (Pictures), or step 9 (Videos) for the folder(s) you want to remove.


 2. Remove All Folders from This PC

This is the default setting.


A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_all_folders_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; 3D Folders
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]

; Desktop
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

; Documents
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

; Downloads
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

; Music
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

; Pictures
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

; Videos
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 3. Remove 3D Objects folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_3D_Objects_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]


 4. Remove Desktop folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Desktop_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 5. Remove Documents folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Documents_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 6. Remove Downloads folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Downloads_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 7. Remove Music folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Music_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 8. Remove Pictures folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Pictures_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001


 8. Remove Videos folder from This PC

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the .reg file below, and go to step 10 below.​

Remove_Videos_folder_from_This_PC_in_File_Explorer.reg


(Contents of REG file for reference)
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HideIfEnabled"=dword:022ab9b9

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}]
"HiddenByDefault"=dword:00000001

10 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

11 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

12 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

13 If File Explorer is currently open, then either refresh (F5) or close and reopen File Explorer to apply.

14 You can now delete the downloaded .reg file(s) if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

Attachments

Last edited:
if you're asking if it will corrupt the link to the target folders or create duplicate entries in explorer "folders" pane, then i doubt anyone can confirm nor deny it. your best bet is to make a win 10 vm and test it
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
I'm NOT asking how to add and remove folders from Windows 10, I'm asking if adding the code for THIS Tutorial to a Windows 10 Registry, if it will hurt anything or not.
Like I said, I'm using an Unattended.xml when installing windows that changes lots of things, including adding Registry entries, and so I'm wondering if adding THESE Reg entries if it will do anything to hurt Win10?
But thank you...

I thought the title of the Tutorial would of made it obvious why I posted it to you.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build 22631.5039
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Sin-built
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (4th Gen?)
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula
    Memory
    32.0 GB of I forget and the box is in storage.
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte nVidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super OC 6GB
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    4 x LG 23MP75 - 2 x 24MK430H-B - 1 x Wacom Pro 22" Tablet
    Screen Resolution
    All over the place
    Hard Drives
    Too many to list.
    OS on Samsung 1TB 870 QVO SATA
    PSU
    Silverstone 1500
    Case
    NZXT Phantom 820 Full-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Elite Class Dual Tower CPU Cooler / 6 x EziDIY 120mm / 2 x Corsair 140mm somethings / 1 x 140mm Thermaltake something / 2 x 200mm Corsair.
    Keyboard
    Corsair K95 / Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech G402 / G502 / Mx Masters / MX Air Cordless
    Internet Speed
    100/40Mbps
    Browser
    All sorts
    Antivirus
    Kaspersky Premium
    Other Info
    I’m on a horse.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build: 22631.4249
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    LENOVO Yoga 7i EVO OLED 14" Touchscreen i5 12 Core 16GB/512GB
    CPU
    Intel Core 12th Gen i5-1240P Processor (1.7 - 4.4GHz)
    Memory
    16GB LPDDR5 RAM
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics Processor
    Sound Card
    Optimized with Dolby Atmos®
    Screen Resolution
    QHD 2880 x 1800 OLED
    Hard Drives
    M.2 512GB
    Antivirus
    Defender / Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    …still on a horse.
As of Windows 11 24H2, the folders have again disappeared from This PC, and the updated scripts you kindly provided on 13th May 2024 no longer work to bring them back. It would be great if you can provide a new update. Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
Update to the comment I posted just now. I've found a workaround to the folders having again disappeared from This PC as of Windows 11 24H2. In File Explorer Options I switch from opening File Explorer in This PC to opening it in Home, then I switched back to opening it in This PC. The folders have reappeared! I've then rebooted my PC, and the folders are still there. So this appears to be a robust fix (for now).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
Microsoft keeps futzing around with the windows folders that I do not want to see. Methods to hide thes folders only last until Ms updates something in namespaces, etc. For my usage, Gallery, Home, Libraries, Music, Pictures, and Videos are useless. I managed to remove these from the explorer navigation pane, but this crap still keeps popping up in open/save/select dialogs. This tutorial doesn't seem to affect those areas. I would like to reduce the clutter there too. Is that possible?

Desktop is a bit strange in the dialogs. The toplevel Destop entry shows what I don't want to see and the other Desktop entry below shows what's actually on the desktop which is okay. I'm on Windows 11 version 24H2 (OS Build 26100 2605)
 

Attachments

  • Desktop.webp
    Desktop.webp
    27.3 KB · Views: 6

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Thinkpad L460
    CPU
    Skylake Gen 6
Microsoft keeps futzing around with the windows folders that I do not want to see. Methods to hide thes folders only last until Ms updates something in namespaces, etc. For my usage, Gallery, Home, Libraries, Music, Pictures, and Videos are useless. I managed to remove these from the explorer navigation pane, but this crap still keeps popping up in open/save/select dialogs. This tutorial doesn't seem to affect those areas. I would like to reduce the clutter there too. Is that possible?

Desktop is a bit strange in the dialogs. The toplevel Destop entry shows what I don't want to see and the other Desktop entry below shows what's actually on the desktop which is okay. I'm on Windows 11 version 24H2 (OS Build 26100 2605)
you can check for corresponding keys under

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Classes\CLSID\

as well.. but since its only 64bit now, i believe that key is a shortcut to the other now...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
If you want them in alphabetical order, I’ve resorted to using “This PC Tweaker” from winaero and manually adding them back. That will put Desktop as the first folder instead of the last.. which I don’t understand why it is last when restoring via reg entries anyways…

Check this fix 👇 it worked in version 24H2, since Winaero is doing the same as the reg files.

Edit 2: I solved the issue by going to the Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}\ShellFolder, right clicking it and clicking Permissions. Then I clicked Advanced, Change (at the top to change the owner), then changed it from SYSTEM to Administrators (just typed "administrators" the box then clicked "Check Names"). Clicked OK, then OK again. Then I clicked on Administrators and checked the Full Control check box on the Allow column, then OK again. I then double clicked on the SortOrderIndex DWORD, and changed it to 0 (was 0x48 (72) initially). Then I reversed the permission changes by right clicking the Key (the ShellFolder folder in the left pane), clicking Permissions, then clicking Administrators and unchecking the Full Control checkbox in the Allow column. Then clicked Advanced, then Change at the top, then typed "SYSTEM" in the text box, then clicked Check Names, then clicked OK, then OK, then OK, and that was it, Desktop is now the first folder as it should be.

Edit 1: unfortunately it seems that the Folders section doesn't respect the Sort by option, however it does respect Ascending vs Descending, and the Group by option. So the question is how to make the Folders section respect the Sort type, however knowing that Microsoft is deprecating the Folders section, maybe the section will be gone for good before this bug gets fixed.

Hello, this works, however there is a new problem. Earlier (before the tabbed layout) the Desktop folder was the first folder (top left) (ignoring 3D Objects folder which I disable). After applying these registry keys, the Desktop folder is now the last folder (bottom right). I don't see any way I could change the order. I tried to add and remove the DWORDS in different orders to no avail. Do you know of any way to make the Desktop folder the first folder again? Version 22621.675
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    11
paraphrasing the quote above:
In Registry Editor go to (copy & paste in directory bar):

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}\ShellFolder

right click "ShellFolder" then Permissions>Advanced>Change (right top corner in blue), In the text box type: [administrators] , then press "Check Names" and Press OK, now you should see "Administrators <your_pc_name>\Administrators)" next to "Change", press ok on this window.

Now on the window named "Premissions for ShellFolder" under "Group or user names" press on "Administrators <your_pc_name>\Administrators)" then look down for "Full Control" and check the allow box, after that press ok.

On the "Registry Editor" window press "ShellFolder" and on right pane double click on "SortOrderIndex", in the text box change the number from 72 to 0, hit OK.

Now before the last step check "This PC" folder for any changes (try refresh or close and reopen).

Back to Registry Editor: right click "ShellFolder" then Permissions, under "Group or user names" press on "Administrators <your_pc_name>\Administrators)" then look down for "Full Control" and uncheck the allow box, on the same window click on Advanced>Change (right top corner in blue), In the text box type: [SYSTEM] , then press "Check Names" and Press OK, now you should see "SYSTEM" next to "Change", press ok on this window and the other one, you can close Registry Editor now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    11
paraphrasing the quote above:
In Registry Editor go to (copy & paste in directory bar):

Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}\ShellFolder

right click "ShellFolder" then Permissions>Advanced>Change (right top corner in blue), In the text box type: [administrators] , then press "Check Names" and Press OK, now you should see "Administrators <your_pc_name>\Administrators)" next to "Change", press ok on this window.

Now on the window named "Premissions for ShellFolder" under "Group or user names" press on "Administrators <your_pc_name>\Administrators)" then look down for "Full Control" and check the allow box, after that press ok.

On the "Registry Editor" window press "ShellFolder" and on right pane double click on "SortOrderIndex", in the text box change the number from 72 to 0, hit OK.

Now before the last step check "This PC" folder for any changes (try refresh or close and reopen).

Back to Registry Editor: right click "ShellFolder" then Permissions, under "Group or user names" press on "Administrators <your_pc_name>\Administrators)" then look down for "Full Control" and uncheck the allow box, on the same window click on Advanced>Change (right top corner in blue), In the text box type: [SYSTEM] , then press "Check Names" and Press OK, now you should see "SYSTEM" next to "Change", press ok on this window and the other one, you can close Registry Editor now.
sorry forgot to write back. yeah i had seen that a while back and forgot to leave that tab open so i forgot to annotate that fix. tested on a dummy laptop and works perfectly. thanks for bringing that back to the forefront. i'll write a .bat script to automate restoring all folders and fixing the alphabetical sort order tomorrow and post back with a batch file script.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
here ya go. no editing permissions in the registry necessary. either extract attached zip and run .bat inside (it self elevates to admin, so just double click it)... or compile it yourself. it will restore Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos to ThisPC and navigation pane... and in that alphabetical order too.
save the .bat to your DESKTOP, or change the location in this line :
SchTasks /Create /SC MONTHLY /TN "This PC Folders" /TR "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\Add_all_folders_to_This_PC.bat" /RL HIGHEST /f"

Script:

Code:
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Automatically check & get admin rights V2
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
@echo off
CLS
ECHO.
ECHO =============================
ECHO Running Admin shell
ECHO =============================

:init
setlocal DisableDelayedExpansion
set "batchPath=%~0"
for %%k in (%0) do set batchName=%%~nk
set "vbsGetPrivileges=%temp%\OEgetPriv_%batchName%.vbs"
setlocal EnableDelayedExpansion

:checkPrivileges
NET FILE 1>NUL 2>NUL
if '%errorlevel%' == '0' ( goto gotPrivileges ) else ( goto getPrivileges )

:getPrivileges
if '%1'=='ELEV' (echo ELEV & shift /1 & goto gotPrivileges)
ECHO.
ECHO **************************************
ECHO Invoking UAC for Privilege Escalation
ECHO **************************************

ECHO Set UAC = CreateObject^("Shell.Application"^) > "%vbsGetPrivileges%"
ECHO args = "ELEV " >> "%vbsGetPrivileges%"
ECHO For Each strArg in WScript.Arguments >> "%vbsGetPrivileges%"
ECHO args = args ^& strArg ^& " "  >> "%vbsGetPrivileges%"
ECHO Next >> "%vbsGetPrivileges%"
ECHO UAC.ShellExecute "!batchPath!", args, "", "runas", 1 >> "%vbsGetPrivileges%"
"%SystemRoot%\System32\WScript.exe" "%vbsGetPrivileges%" %*
exit /B

:gotPrivileges
setlocal & pushd .
cd /d %~dp0
if '%1'=='ELEV' (del "%vbsGetPrivileges%" 1>nul 2>nul  &  shift /1)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::START
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REM Run shell as admin (example) - put here code as you like
ECHO %batchName% Arguments: %1 %2 %3 %4 %5 %6 %7 %8 %9
@Echo Off
SchTasks /Create /SC MONTHLY /TN "This PC Folders" /TR "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\Add_all_folders_to_This_PC.bat" /RL HIGHEST /f
schtasks /Run /TN "This PC Folders" /f

cd %systemroot%\system32

REM ; Desktop
Reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}" /v "HideIfEnabled" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}" /v "HiddenByDefault" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
REM ; Documents
Reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}" /v "HideIfEnabled" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af}" /v "HiddenByDefault" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
REM ; Downloads
Reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}" /v "HideIfEnabled" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f}" /v "HiddenByDefault" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
REM ; Music
Reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}" /v "HideIfEnabled" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{1CF1260C-4DD0-4ebb-811F-33C572699FDE}" /v "HiddenByDefault" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de}" /v "HiddenByDefault" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
REM ; Pictures
Reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}" /v "HideIfEnabled" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8}" /v "HiddenByDefault" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
REM ; Videos
Reg.exe delete "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}" /v "HideIfEnabled" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}" /f
Reg.exe add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a}" /v "HiddenByDefault" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
REM ; FixOrderDesktop
Reg.exe add "HKCR\CLSID\{B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641}\ShellFolder" /v "SortOrderIndex" /t REG_DWORD /d "0" /f
SchTasks /Delete /TN "This PC Folders" /f
Exit
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
And how about REMOVING those libraries?
They are useless to me and thus clutter. thx!

here ya go. no editing permissions in the registry necessary. either extract attached zip and run .bat inside (it self elevates to admin, so just double click it)... or compile it yourself. it will restore Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures, Videos to ThisPC and navigation pane... and in that alphabetical order too.
save the .bat to your DESKTOP, or change the location in this line :
SchTasks /Create /SC MONTHLY /TN "This PC Folders" /TR "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\Add_all_folders_to_This_PC.bat" /RL HIGHEST /f"

Script:

Code:
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
[/QUOTE]
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    win 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad
And how about REMOVING those libraries?
They are useless to me and thus clutter. thx!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
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