How can I get my Windows Explorer Navigation Pane back to normal?

Janice Futher 0 Reputation points
2026-10-04T18:47:13.88+00:00

When I first got my computer (Windows 11) the Navigation Pane was too busy for me. Working with Copilot for hours, it never really worked out. It just doesn't look right.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Desktop, Start, and personalization | Other
0 comments

4 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Vikki-T 11,975 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-10-08T12:55:54.85+00:00

    Hi Janice Futher,

    Thanks for clarifying. When you open File Explorer, is the Documents folder currently listed under Home/Quick access, or is it missing from the navigation pane entirely?

    If possible, please share a screenshot of the current File Explorer navigation pane so we can see what was changed and guide you accurately. Please hide any personal folder names or account information before posting the screenshot. In current versions of Windows 11, the Documents folder is no longer shown under This PC by default. Microsoft moved Documents and the other known folders to Home/Quick access, so this is generally a layout change rather than an issue with your computer.

    To keep Documents visible in the left navigation pane:

    • Open File Explorer and select Home.
    • Click the Up arrow beside the address bar.
    • Right-click Documents and select Pin to Quick access.

    Documents should then appear in the navigation pane for easy access. However, Windows 11 does not provide a standard File Explorer setting to place it literally back underneath This PC.

    You can also refer to Microsoft’s official guidance here: File Explorer in Windows. Thank you so much for your understanding.     

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Ferdinand Nanalig 33,410 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-04T19:31:16.9933333+00:00

    Hi, let me help you.

    May I know what view that you are seeing now in your navigation pane?

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Horace Wiggins 535 Reputation points
    2026-10-08T13:17:11.7933333+00:00

    @Janice Futher

    Look at this and see if it helps you. Windows File Explorer

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Janice Futher 0 Reputation points
    2026-10-04T19:01:04.25+00:00

    How can I put Documents under This PC?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.