How to Remove Libraries from File Explorer on Windows 11

Gallery is a new folder in Windows 11 Explorer that provides a visual interface that allows users to easily browse, organize, and quickly access libraries. However, some users say they don't use it often and it also takes up a tile on the File Explorer navigation bar. If you have the same problem, this article will show you how to remove Gallery from File Explorer.

Remove libraries from File Explorer via Registry Editor

Step 1:

Open Registry Editor and then access the path below.

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerDesktopNameSpace_41040327{e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}

Step 2:

Right-click the folder and select Delete . Once you complete the steps above, Libraries will no longer appear in File Explorer.

If you want to re-enable Gallery, you need to right-click on NameSpace_41040327 and select New > Key and name it {e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}.

Delete Photo Library via Command Prompt

You open Command Prompt on your computer, then enter the command below.

reg delete HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerDesktopNameSpace_41040327{e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}

If you want to display the Library again later, enter the command below.

reg add HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerDesktopNameSpace_41040327{e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}

David Pac

Update 10 October 2025