How to disable dynamic display of folders and files to prevent quick access in Windows 10 and 11?

Microsoft introduced Quick Access in Windows 10 and retained the feature in the recently released Windows 11 operating system. Quick Access replaces the Favorites system in File Explorer. One of the core differences between the two features is that Quick Access adds a dynamic component to its list.

Some folders are displayed permanently, while others are displayed based on usage. Fixed folders are displayed with a pin icon, while dynamic folders do not have such an icon. You can see a comparison between My Favorites and Quick Access here for more details.

Quick Access is more powerful than Favorites, but dynamic folder lists add an element of clutter to it. Folders that are useless or should not be highlighted in File Explorer may be displayed. The good news is that it's easy to disable the dynamic component of Quick Access without losing the ability to pin folders to File Explorer for quick access.

Prevent Windows from automatically showing folders and files using Quick Access in File Explorer

You can do this directly in File Manager Turn off Quick Access' ability to dynamically add folders and files to File Explorer. How it's done:

1. Open File Explorer on your Windows device.
2. The next step depends on whether you are running Windows 10 or 11:
   • Windows 10: Right-click Quick Access in the File Explorer sidebar and select Options , or select File > Change folder and search options.
   • Windows 11: Right-click Quick Access in the File Explorer sidebar and select Show more options > Options, or select Menu (three dots) > Options.
3. The Privacy section of the window that opens displays three preferences related to Quick Access:
   • Show recently used files in Quick Access - Determines whether recently used files appear in File Explorer.
   • Show frequently used folders in Quick Access - Determines whether frequently used files appear in File Explorer.
   • Clear File Explorer History - Delete history, allowing you to start from scratch when showing recent files and frequently used folders in Explorer.
4. Uncheck "Show recently used files in Quick Access" and "Show frequently used folders in Quick Access" to turn off dynamic components.
5. You can also change the File Explorer start page from Quick Access to This PC using the Open File Explorer option at the top of the Folder Options window.
6. Select Apply and OK to complete.

Doing so will keep all pinned folders in Explorer but delete any files or folders that appear based on usage. With both features disabled, you can still pin folders to Quick Access.

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