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

Janice Futher 0 Reputation points
2026-10-04T19:12:44.3033333+00:00

In Windows Explorer, Navigation Pane, is it possible to move Documents down under This PC?

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

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. EmilyS726 271.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-10-04T19:47:03.2033333+00:00

    Where is Documents folder currently listed under? Or it doesn’t list at all?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

  2. AI answer

    2026-10-04T19:12:56.5366667+00:00

    In Windows 11, the known folders such as Documents are pinned to Quick access by default and are no longer displayed under This PC. That layout change is by design in Windows 11 version 22H2 and later.

    If Documents was unpinned, it can be restored to Quick access:

    1. Open File Explorer.
    2. Select Home in the left pane.
    3. Select the Up arrow near the address bar to show the known folders.
    4. Right-click Documents.
    5. Select Pin to Quick access.

    If the left navigation pane is hidden:

    1. Open File Explorer.
    2. Select View on the command bar.
    3. Select Show > Navigation pane.

    If the goal is to make the navigation pane behave more like earlier versions, Expand to open folder is still available in Folder Options:

    1. Open File Explorer.
    2. Select the three dots > Options.
    3. Open the View tab.
    4. Under Navigation pane, enable or disable Expand to open folder as needed.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

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.