If you just want to wipe the slate clean without disabling the feature, you can clear the history.
For users who wish to remove the Quick Access section entirely from the left-hand navigation pane, a more definitive approach is required, but it involves a simple setting change. Returning to the "Folder Options" dialog (accessible via the "View" tab as described above), one must find the "Open File Explorer to:" dropdown menu. By default, this is set to "Quick Access." Changing this setting to "This PC" ensures that every time File Explorer launches, it displays the classic drive and folder view instead of the Quick Access view. While this does not delete the Quick Access entry from the sidebar, it effectively bypasses it as the default landing page, drastically reducing its prominence. This is often sufficient for those who simply find Quick Access an annoying default starting point. how to remove quick access from file explorer
In conclusion, removing Quick Access from File Explorer is a simple process that can be achieved through File Explorer Options, Registry Editor, or Group Policy. By following these steps, you can customize your File Explorer experience to suit your needs and preferences. If you just want to wipe the slate
In the digital age, efficiency is paramount. Microsoft’s File Explorer, the gateway to our files on Windows, is designed with this principle in mind. One of its most prominent features is "Quick Access," a section that pins frequently used folders and recently accessed files for rapid navigation. While beneficial for many, Quick Access can be a source of clutter, a privacy concern, or simply an unnecessary distraction for power users who prefer a clean, manual folder hierarchy. Consequently, removing or disabling Quick Access becomes a logical step toward a more streamlined and predictable file management experience. Fortunately, Windows provides several effective methods to achieve this, ranging from simple unpinning to complete deactivation via folder options and the Registry Editor. By default, this is set to "Quick Access
Result: All recent files and automatic folder suggestions are removed. Manually pinned folders will remain.
Clear Quick Access History in Windows 11/10 | Step-by-Step Guide