Windows 11 Quick Access Missing [FIXED]

If the Quick Access Menu is missing in Windows 11, it can be frustrating as this feature provides a convenient way to access frequently used folders and files. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to fix this issue.  

Key Takeaways

• Quick Access is a feature in Windows 11 that provides easy access to frequently used files and folders. When it goes missing, it means that this feature is no longer visible in the navigation pane of File Explorer.
• Quick Access may disappear due to various reasons, such as a glitch in the File Explorer settings, a corrupted Quick Access cache, or changes made during Windows updates. Understanding why it disappeared can help you prevent future occurrences.
• To fix this problem, you can try multiple methods, including enabling Quick Access through FileExplorer settings, resetting File Explorer options to default, manually resetting Quick Access by clearing its history and using Windows PowerShell to re-register Windows apps.

Why Does Windows 11 Quick Access Menu Go Missing?

The issue can occur due to various reasons, including:

1. File Explorer Settings Glitch
2. Corrupted Quick Access Cache
3. Windows Updates
4. User Account Profile Issues
5. Third-Party Software Interference
6. Manual Deletion Of Files
7. Registry or Group Policy Changes
8. Malware or Viruses

How To Fix Windows 11 Quick Access Missing? 

Here is a list of methods that can potentially help you solve the problem:

1. Enable Quick Access 
2. Restart File Explorer 
3. Reset File Explorer Options 
4. Repair Windows Files 
5. Use Windows PowerShell 
6. Create a New User Account 

Also Read: Windows 11 Stuck On Restarting Screen

Enable Quick Access Menu

If Quick Access is missing from Windows, you need to make sure that the menu is enabled in your Windows settings. We tried this method as it worked for many users on YouTube, and it seemed to work for us.

Follow the steps below: 

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Win + E keyboard shortcut or by clicking on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar. 
2. In the File Explorer window, click on the “View” tab in the ribbon at the top.

   

3. In the “Show” section, make sure that the “Navigation pane” is checked. This will ensure that Quick Access is visible in the navigation pane.

   

Restart File Explorer 

If Quick Access is still not visible, you may need to restart the File Explorer process. Doing this has resolved the issue for many users so we tried the same and it worked for us as well. 

To do this, follow these steps: 

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”
2. In the Task Manager, find “Windows Explorer,” right-click on it, and select “Restart.”

   

This will restart the File Explorer, and Quick Access should be accessible again.

Also Read: How To Fix Unmountable Boot Volume Error In Windows 11

Reset File Explorer Options 

Another method that has worked, as per user Rawatsamrose on Reddit, is to reset the File Explorer options back to their default settings. We tried the same, and it worked for us as well. Also, check out our guide on How To Remove PIN From Windows 11.

Follow these steps:  

1. Press Win + S to open the Windows Search bar, then type “File Explorer Options” and press Enter.
2. In the File Explorer Options window, click on the “General” tab. 
3. Under the “Privacy” section, click on the “Clear” button next to “Clear File Explorer history.” This will reset your File Explorer settings, including Quick Access settings.

   

4. Now go to the “View” section, and select the “Reset Folder” option. 
5. Click the “Apply” button, followed by “OK” to confirm the changes. 
6. As in the previous method, restart the File Explorer process.

Repair Windows Files 

If Quick Access is still missing, some system files may be corrupted. As per the TheWindowsClub on YouTube, you can try using the built-in System File Checker (SFC) utility to repair them.

Also, read our guide on How To Find MAC Address In Windows 11.

Here’s how: 

1. In the Start menu, search for “Command Prompt” and run it as administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: 
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 
   This command tells Windows Update to check for corruption in your system files and download new files to replace them.

   

3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: 
   sfc /scannow
4. After the scan is finished, restart your computer. 

 Important: Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time, and the tool will attempt to repair any corrupted system files it finds.   

Also Read: Windows 11: Choose Where To Get Apps Missing 

After trying these methods, Quick Access should be restored in Windows 11. If you continue to experience issues, consider checking for Windows updates or contacting Microsoft support for further assistance. 

Related Guides:

• Dell Command Update In Windows 11
• Windows 11 Volume Slider Not Working 
• How To Show Battery Percentage In Windows 11?

Arsalan Shakil

[Errors Troubleshooting Expert]

Arsalan Shakil (aka GuyThatDoesEverything on YouTube) is a PC Tech Enthusiast and Electronic Geek. With over 10+ years of experience in Electronics, he then decided to explore Software Engineering to design embedded products and automate existing hardware solutions. 

When he started tearing down old cameras to understand how they worked, he was shocked (literally, when he got zapped by a flash discharge capacitor), giving him the power (debatable) to fall in love with videography/photography. He also started making some fun videos that later became YouTube tech reviews.

Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in Electronics design, embedded solutions, and prototyping
• Majored in Software Engineering
• Research paper publication in IEEE for Embedded Military Uniform & LoRa WAN wireless technology
• Specialized in IoT Solutions
• PC Enthusiast & PC Modder

In his local region, he’s known to expose cheap PSU brands, often claiming fake certification or false claims on the box. He’s a true nerd and needed some friends in his life. Then he met some guys who work at Tech4Gamers, and they also came out to be equal nerds who suggested he join Tech4Gamers as a Hardware Expert.