How To Remove Quick Access In Windows 10

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Quick Access is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to easily access your frequently used folders and recent files. While it can be useful for some users, others may find it unnecessary or prefer to use an alternative method for accessing their files. In this blog post, we will show you how to remove Quick Access in Windows 10.

Method 1: Disabling Quick Access from File Explorer Options

The first method to remove Quick Access in Windows 10 is to disable it from the File Explorer Options. Follow these steps:

  1. Open a File Explorer window by pressing Win + E.
  2. Click on the View tab and then click on Options in the top-right corner of the window.
  3. In the Folder Options window, click on the General tab.
  4. Under the Privacy section, uncheck both “Show recently used files in Quick access” and “Show frequently used folders in Quick access” checkboxes.
  5. Click on the drop-down menu next to “Open File Explorer to:” and select This PC.
  6. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

Now, when you open a new File Explorer window, it will open with “This PC” instead of Quick Access, and you will no longer see the Quick Access section in the left pane.

Method 2: Remove Quick Access using Registry Editor

If you prefer to completely remove Quick Access from Windows 10, you can do so using the Registry Editor. Follow the steps below:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following registry key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
  4. Right-click on the Explorer key and select New > Key.
  5. Name the new key HubMode.
  6. Right-click on the newly created HubMode key, and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  7. Name the new DWORD HubMode.
  8. Double-click on the DWORD and set its value to 1.
  9. Click OK to save your changes and close the Registry Editor.

After completing these steps, restart your computer. Quick Access should now be completely removed from your Windows 10 system.

Conclusion

Removing Quick Access in Windows 10 can help declutter your File Explorer and improve system performance, especially if you rarely use the feature. Whether you choose to simply disable it or remove it completely using the Registry Editor, this guide has provided you with the steps needed to achieve your desired result. As always, be cautious when editing the registry and make sure to back up your system before making any changes.