How To Disable Frequent Folders In Windows 10

Have you ever been overwhelmed by the number of frequently accessed folders that show up in your Windows 10 File Explorer? It can be frustrating to have your workspace cluttered with folders you don't use often. But worry not, because there's a simple solution to disable frequent folders in Windows 10.

To disable frequent folders, you can follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the "View" tab on the top menu.

2. Click on the "Options" button, then choose "Change folder and search options."

Why Disable Frequent Folders in Windows 10

Windows 10 provides a convenient feature called "Frequent Folders" that displays a list of recently accessed folders in the File Explorer navigation pane. While this feature can be helpful for some users to quickly access their frequently used folders, it may not be desirable for everyone. Disabling the frequent folders feature can optimize your File Explorer experience by removing clutter and improving navigation efficiency. In this article, we will explore how to disable frequent folders in Windows 10 and regain control over your navigation pane.

Method 1: Using File Explorer Options

The first method to disable frequent folders in Windows 10 involves accessing the File Explorer Options. Follow the steps below to disable frequent folders:

• Open File Explorer by pressing the Win + E keys or clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
• Click on the "View" tab at the top of the File Explorer window.
• In the "View" tab, locate and click on the "Options" button on the far-right side of the ribbon.
• A new "Folder Options" window will open. In the "General" tab, find the section labeled "Privacy" and uncheck the box next to "Show recently used files in Quick access" and "Show frequently used folders in Quick access".
• Click on the "Apply" button to save the changes and then click on "OK" to close the "Folder Options" window.

Benefits of Disabling Frequent Folders

Disabling frequent folders offers several benefits:

• Improved navigation: Without frequent folders, the navigation pane in File Explorer will be cleaner and less cluttered, making it easier to locate and access your desired folders.
• Increased privacy: By disabling this feature, you prevent Windows from displaying a list of your recently accessed folders, providing enhanced privacy and preventing unauthorized users from seeing your activity.
• Reduced distractions: If you find the frequent folders list distracting or irrelevant to your workflow, disabling it can help you stay focused and reduce unnecessary distractions.
• Better control: Disabling frequent folders gives you more control over the content displayed in File Explorer, allowing you to customize it to your specific preferences and needs.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor

If you prefer a more advanced method, you can disable frequent folders in Windows 10 using the Registry Editor. Here's how:

• Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. If the "Explorer" key doesn't exist, you may need to create it.
• In the right-pane of the Explorer key, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value "NoRecentDocsHistory".
• Double-click on the NoRecentDocsHistory value and set its data to 1 to disable frequent folders. If you want to enable frequent folders in the future, you can set the value to 0 or delete the NoRecentDocsHistory value.
• Click on OK and close the Registry Editor. The changes should take effect immediately.

Note:

Proceed with caution when using the Registry Editor, as making incorrect changes can cause system instability or other issues. It is recommended to create a backup of your registry before making any modifications.

Method 3: Using a Third-Party Software

If you prefer a simpler and more user-friendly approach, you can use third-party software to disable frequent folders in Windows 10. There are several software options available that can modify Windows settings and provide additional customization options. Here are a few popular choices:

Name	Description	Link
Ultimate Windows Tweaker	A comprehensive tweaking tool that allows you to customize various aspects of Windows 10.	Download
Classic Shell	A utility that brings back the classic Start menu and provides additional customization options for the Windows interface.	Download
Winaero Tweaker	A versatile tweaking tool that offers a wide range of customization options for Windows.	Download

Benefits of Using Third-Party Software

Using third-party software to disable frequent folders offers the following benefits:

• User-friendly interface: Third-party software often provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier for users of all levels to modify Windows settings.
• Additional customization options: These tools often offer a wide range of customization options beyond just disabling frequent folders, allowing you to personalize your Windows experience according to your preferences.
• Regular updates and support: Third-party software is often actively maintained and updated, ensuring compatibility with the latest version of Windows and providing support if any issues arise.
• Peace of mind: Using trusted and reputable third-party software can offer peace of mind, knowing that these tools are specifically designed for modifying Windows settings and are generally safe to use.

Exploring a Different Dimension: Fine-Tuning Quick Access

While disabling frequent folders can provide a cleaner File Explorer experience, some users may still want to retain the benefits of quick access to specific folders. Windows 10 offers various options to fine-tune Quick Access and customize it according to your needs:

Pinning Custom Folders to Quick Access

If you have specific folders that you frequently access and want to keep them easily accessible, you can pin them to the Quick Access section. Here's how:

• In File Explorer, navigate to the folder that you want to pin to Quick Access.
• Right-click on the folder and select "Pin to Quick access". The folder will now appear in the Quick Access section, allowing you to quickly access it whenever needed.

Customizing Quick Access Options

You can also customize the behavior and appearance of Quick Access by accessing its options. Follow these steps to customize Quick Access:

• Open File Explorer and click on the "View" tab at the top of the window.
• In the "View" tab, locate and click on the "Options" button on the far-right side of the ribbon.
• In the "Folder Options" window, select the "General" tab.
• Under the "Privacy" section, you can choose to clear your Quick Access history by clicking on the "Clear" button. This will remove all recently used files and frequently used folders from Quick Access.
• You can also change the default behavior of File Explorer to open Quick Access instead of "This PC". In the "Open File Explorer to:" drop-down menu, select "Quick access" and click on "Apply".

By pinning custom folders and customizing Quick Access options, you can have a tailored File Explorer experience that combines the benefits of quick access with a clutter-free navigation pane.

In conclusion, disabling frequent folders in Windows 10 can enhance your File Explorer experience by removing clutter, improving navigation efficiency, and increasing privacy. Whether you choose to use the built-in options, modify the registry, or utilize third-party software, taking control over the content displayed in File Explorer allows you to tailor it to your specific preferences and needs.

Disabling Frequent Folders in Windows 10

You can disable frequent folders in Windows 10 to have more control over your file management. Frequent folders is a feature in Windows 10 that tracks your most accessed folders and displays them in the Quick Access section of the File Explorer. However, if you prefer not to have this feature enabled, you can easily disable it.

To disable frequent folders in Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
• Click on the "View" tab in the top menu.
• In the "Show/hide" section, uncheck the "Show frequently used folders in Quick Access" option.
• Click on "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

By following these steps, you can disable the frequent folders feature in Windows 10 and have a cleaner Quick Access section in your File Explorer. This can be useful if you prefer to manually organize and access your folders without the system tracking your usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about disabling frequent folders in Windows 10:

1. How can I disable the frequent folders feature in Windows 10?

To disable the frequent folders feature in Windows 10, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the File Explorer by pressing the Windows key and E simultaneously.

2. Click on the "View" tab in the File Explorer ribbon.

3. In the "View" tab, click on the "Options" button on the right side.

4. In the "Folder Options" window, click on the "General" tab.

5. Under the "Privacy" section, uncheck the box that says "Show recently used files in Quick Access".

6. Click on the "Apply" button, then click "OK" to save the changes.

Once you have completed these steps, the frequent folders feature will be disabled in Windows 10.

2. Will disabling frequent folders affect my ability to access recently used files?

No, disabling the frequent folders feature will not affect your ability to access recently used files. Even if you disable the frequent folders feature, you can still access your recently used files through the "Quick Access" section in the File Explorer.

The only difference is that the frequently accessed folders will not be displayed in the "Quick Access" section, providing a more streamlined and clutter-free view.

3. Can I enable the frequent folders feature after disabling it?

Yes, you can enable the frequent folders feature again if you change your mind. To do so, follow the same steps mentioned above, but make sure to check the box that says "Show recently used files in Quick Access" under the "Privacy" section in the "Folder Options" window.

Click on the "Apply" button and then click "OK" to save the changes. Once enabled, the frequent folders feature will be reinstated in Windows 10.

4. Can I customize the number of frequent folders that are displayed?

No, Windows 10 does not provide a built-in option to customize the number of frequent folders that are displayed in the "Quick Access" section. The operating system automatically tracks and displays the most frequently accessed folders based on your usage patterns.

However, you can manually pin specific folders to the "Quick Access" section to keep them permanently visible, regardless of your usage patterns.

5. Will disabling frequent folders impact the performance of my computer?

No, disabling the frequent folders feature will not impact the performance of your computer. This feature is designed for convenience and does not have a significant impact on system resources or performance.

Disabling frequent folders can sometimes result in faster navigation within the File Explorer, as it reduces the number of items displayed in the "Quick Access" section.

In conclusion, disabling frequent folders in Windows 10 is a simple process that can help streamline your workflow and increase productivity. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can customize your File Explorer experience and avoid clutter caused by frequently accessed folders.

Remember, disabling frequent folders is just one option to personalize your Windows 10 experience. There are many other customization features available to explore and tailor your operating system to your specific needs. Whether it's adjusting settings, organizing files, or enhancing accessibility, Windows 10 provides a range of tools to make your computer usage more efficient and enjoyable.