Windows 11 File Explorer includes a number of default folders pinned to the sidebar, such as Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos. Although you will access them quickly when needed, they take up space on your computer's workspace. If you do not need to use them, users can completely unpin the default folders in File Explorer, according to the article below.
How to unpin default folder via File Explorer Settings
Step 1:
Press Windows + E to open File Explorer, then click on the 3-dot icon and select Options in the displayed list.
Step 2:
Switch to the new interface, click on the View tab then uncheck Show libraries or Show frequently used folders to unpin the default folder on the computer.
Finally click Apply, then click OK to save the new settings.
Unpin default folder via Registry Editor
Step 1:
Open the Run dialog box and enter the keyword regedit to access Registry Editor . Next, access the path below.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerFolderDescriptions
Step 2:
Within this key, you will find subkeys that correspond to default folders such as Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and Downloads. Each folder has a unique identifier (GUID). Locate the GUID for the folder you want to delete.
- Documents: {f42ee2d3-909f-4907-8871-4c22fc0bf756}.
- Pictures: {0ddd015d-b06c-45d5-8c4c-f59713854639}.
- Music: {a0c69a99-21c8-4671-8703-7934162fcf1d}.
- Videos: {35286a68-3c57-41a1-bbb1-0eae73d76c95}.
- Downloads: {7d83ee9b-2244-4e70-b1f5-5393042af1e4}.
Step 3:
Click on the folder and look to the side, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value . We name this value ThisPCPolicy .
Step 3:
Double-click this value and enter 1 to unpin the Windows 11 default folder .
Finally restart your computer to apply.
Use Winaero Tweaker to unpin default folder
You download Winaero Tweaker software from the link below.
Then open Winaero Tweaker and click on File Explorer in the left sidebar. Next click on Customize This PC Folders and you will see a list of default folders that are checked.
- How to Customize Windows with Winaero Tweaker
Uncheck the folders you want to remove from the File Explorer sidebar and save your changes.