How to Add or Remove Folders from This PC in Windows 11

Customizing the folders that appear under “This PC” in Windows 11’s File Explorer allows you to streamline your workflow and access your most-used directories quickly. Whether you want to add a frequently used folder or remove clutter by hiding unnecessary ones, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. Before starting, ensure you have administrator privileges on your Windows 11 device, as some changes may require elevated permissions. With these simple adjustments, you can personalize your File Explorer for a more efficient experience.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 11 PC with administrative access
• Basic familiarity with navigating File Explorer and Settings
• Optional: A custom folder path you want to add

Step-by-Step

1. Open File Explorer: Click on the folder icon in the taskbar or press Windows + E on your keyboard to launch File Explorer.
2. Access “This PC” view: In the left sidebar, click on “This PC” to view your current folder setup.
3. Open Folder Options: Click the three-dot menu icon (…) at the top of File Explorer and select “Options” from the dropdown. Alternatively, you can access it via the Control Panel under “Folder Options.”
4. Modify the navigation pane settings: In the Folder Options window, switch to the “View” tab. Scroll down and find the option labeled “Show Libraries” or “Show All Folders”. Ensure it’s checked if you want to see all available folders, or uncheck to hide certain items.
5. Add folders to “This PC”: To add custom folders, you need to modify the registry or use a third-party tool because Windows does not natively allow direct addition of arbitrary folders to “This PC.” Here’s how:
   1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
   2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\Namespace.
   3. Right-click on “Namespace,” select “New” > “Key,” and give it a unique name (often a GUID or descriptive name).
   4. Within this new key, create a new string value named Default, and set its data to the CLSID or path of the folder you want to add.
   5. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC or Windows Explorer for changes to take effect.

   *Note:* Editing the registry can cause issues if done incorrectly. Proceed with caution, or consider using third-party tools like “OldNewExplorer” or “Winaero Tweaker” for easier customization.

6. Remove folders from “This PC”: To hide folders, you can disable their visibility via Registry Editor or Group Policy:
   1. Open Registry Editor (Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter).
   2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\Namespace.
   3. Find the key corresponding to the folder you want to hide. You can identify it by its CLSID or name.
   4. Right-click the key and select “Delete”. Confirm the deletion.
   5. Restart your computer or restart Windows Explorer to see the changes.
7. Refresh File Explorer: After making changes, press F5 or restart File Explorer to update the view.

Common Mistakes

• Editing the registry without backing up first—can cause system issues.
• Using incorrect CLSIDs or keys—may prevent folders from appearing or cause errors.
• Not restarting Windows Explorer or the PC after changes—changes won’t take effect.
• Confusing “This PC” customization with Quick Access—these are different areas.
• Attempting to add folders that Windows does not support natively—may require third-party tools.

Tips

• Always back up the registry before making changes, so you can restore if needed.
• Use third-party tools like Winaero Tweaker for a more user-friendly experience.
• Keep track of the CLSIDs or folder paths you add for future reference.
• Be cautious when editing system files—incorrect modifications can cause system instability.
• Remember that some folders are protected or hidden by Windows and require special procedures to modify.

Troubleshooting

If your changes do not appear as expected, try the following steps:

• Restart Windows Explorer: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer,” right-click, and select “Restart.” This refreshes the File Explorer interface.
• Reboot your PC: Sometimes, a full restart is necessary for registry changes to take effect.
• Check registry entries: Ensure you correctly added or removed the right keys and values. Mistakes here are common sources of issues.
• Use third-party tools: If manual registry edits are problematic, tools like Winaero Tweaker can simplify customization.
• Restore default settings: If things go wrong, restore the registry from your backup or reset Folder Options to default.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add any folder to “This PC”?

Not all folders can be added directly. Windows limits which folders appear in “This PC,” but with registry edits or third-party tools, you can add specific user folders or network locations.

Is editing the registry safe?

It is safe if you follow instructions carefully and back up the registry beforehand. Incorrect edits can cause system issues, so proceed with caution.

How do I restore default “This PC” folders?

You can reset “This PC” to default by deleting custom keys in the registry or using system restore points if you created one beforehand.

Can I add a network location to “This PC”?

Yes, but it requires creating a shortcut or mapping network drives, which can then be added via registry modifications or third-party tools.

What should I do if my changes don’t stick?

Ensure you restart Windows Explorer or your PC after making registry modifications. Double-check your registry entries for accuracy.

Are there any third-party tools for easier customization?

Yes, tools like Winaero Tweaker or OldNewExplorer provide user-friendly interfaces to customize “This PC” and other File Explorer elements without manual registry editing.

By following these instructions, you can tailor the “This PC” section in Windows 11 to better suit your needs, making your file management faster and more efficient. Remember to proceed carefully when editing system settings, and always back up your data before making significant changes.

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