Enabling Libraries in File Explorer

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated August 3, 2020)

Libraries are a feature of File Explorer that help you navigate the Windows file system quickly and easily. They were introduced in an earlier version of Windows but inexplicably don't appear in Windows 10. A library is essentially a container that points to files and folders that exist anywhere on your system. Since the files pointed to from the library remain in their original locations, updating them means that you'll see the updated version in the library just as if you were looking at the actual file itself.

Windows comes with four default libraries: Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos. You can add your own libraries as well as delete libraries. (Adding and deleting libraries are covered under other tips.)

As you might guess, libraries are a handy feature, so fortunately even though they don't appear by default in Windows 10, you can still use them. To enable libraries, fire up File Explorer. Then click the View tab and select the Navigation Pane button. This causes a menu to drop down which contains a "Show libraries" item: (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Enabling Show Libraries in File Explorer.

Check the "Show libraries" menu item, and you'll immediately be able to use libraries from any File Explorer window and access your files easily.

 This tip (562) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Removing a Desktop Gadget

Gadgets can be fun and/or useful. If you want to free up a little desktop real estate, though, this tip tells you how to ...

Discover More

Changing Font Size in a Command Prompt Window

If you work at the command level very much, you may want to change the fonts that are used. You can control what ...

Discover More

Understanding Robocopy

Robocopy is a robust file copy utility built into Windows. If you have a lot of file management to do that can't easily ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Getting Rid of a Built-in Windows Library

Most people like the Library feature of Windows, but for those who don't, this tip explains how to get rid of a built-in ...

Discover More

Understanding the Pictures Folder

The Pictures folder is one of several system libraries specifically optimized to hold digital pictures. This tip tells ...

Discover More

Understanding Libraries

Windows Libraries are a great extension to the functionality of Windows Explorer. Libraries are similar to folders in ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 6 + 5?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2024 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.