Pin Items to File Explorer's Quick Access View

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated September 14, 2020)

File Explorer's Quick Access view is great for navigating the file system. If there are particular files or folders that you frequent, you can pin them to Quick Access and have them be just a click away.

Pinning an item to Quick Access is very easy. Within File Explorer, navigate to the file or folder that you want to pin, right-click it, and select "Pin to Quick Access" from the Context menu. The item that you pinned doesn't move, but you'll now see it also in the Quick Access section of File Explorer. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Pinning a folder to Quick Access.

And you don't have to settle for the order in which File Explorer keeps your pinned items. You can drag/drop items within the Quick Access section to place them in the order you like by clicking on an item and, while holding down the mouse button, dragging the item to another location in the Quick Access section. When you release the mouse button, the item is repositioned. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Drag/drop a folder in Quick Access to reorder it.

Finally, if you later wish to remove an item from the Quick Access section, you right-click the item and select "Unpin from Quick Access" from the Context menu. The item still retains its availability in its original location on disk, but its Quick Access entry is removed. (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. Unpinning an item from Quick Access.

 This tip (13452) 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

Understanding User Account Control

User Account Control is a security mechanism that defends against malware or accidents from making system-level changes ...

Discover More

Changing How User Account Control Works

The User Account Control (UAC) model allows an administrator to control when (or if) they are to be notified when a ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Hidden Thumbs.db Files

A hidden file that the system uses to speed performance of your viewing folders containing pictures is called Thumbs.db. ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Specifying a Copy Schedule in Robocopy

There are a few ways to set up a copy schedule in Robocopy by using its options. This tip explains how.

Discover More

Rebuilding the Search Index

There may be times when you want to reset the search index and rebuild it from scratch. This tip tells you how.

Discover More

Changing the Hidden Attribute for a File

Windows maintains a set of attributes that describe and control characteristics of your files. Here's how to change the ...

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 two more than 7?

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


Newest Tips