Removing the "Home" Option from the Left Panel in File Explorer
Navigating your computer's file system often starts with the File Explorer, the window that lets you browse and manage your files and folders. The left panel of File Explorer, also known as the navigation pane, provides quick access to common locations like "This PC," "Network," and "Desktop." You might find the "Home" option in this panel, and depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to remove it to streamline your navigation.
Why Remove the "Home" Option?
- Simplify the Navigation Pane: Having a less cluttered navigation pane can make finding the folders you need faster and more efficient.
- Customize Your Experience: By removing the "Home" option, you can tailor File Explorer to match your specific workflow and preferences.
- Prevent Accidental Access: If the "Home" option points to a location you don't regularly use, removing it can help avoid accidentally accessing those files.
How to Remove the "Home" Option from the Left Panel
While there's no direct option to remove the "Home" option from the left panel of File Explorer, you can effectively hide it using a simple trick.
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Open File Explorer: Click on the "File Explorer" icon in your taskbar or press
Windows Key + Eto open File Explorer. -
Navigate to the "Home" Location: Open the folder that the "Home" option points to. You can find this out by clicking on the "Home" option in the navigation pane and observing the address bar at the top of File Explorer.
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Right-Click on the Folder: Right-click on the folder you're currently in (the folder that "Home" represents).
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Select "Properties": In the context menu, click on "Properties."
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Navigate to the "Customize" Tab: Within the "Properties" window, click on the "Customize" tab.
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Uncheck "Show this folder in Navigation Pane": Under the "General" section, uncheck the box next to "Show this folder in Navigation pane."
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Apply Changes and Close: Click "Apply" to save your changes and then click "OK" to close the "Properties" window.
Refresh File Explorer: Close and reopen File Explorer to see the changes take effect. The "Home" option should now be removed from the navigation pane.
Additional Tips
- Hiding Other Options: You can apply the same process to hide other options from the left panel, such as "Desktop" or "Downloads," if you wish to minimize the list further.
- Customize Shortcut Keys: Consider assigning custom shortcut keys to access the folders you use most frequently. This can further streamline your navigation and eliminate the need for the "Home" option altogether.
Conclusion:
Removing the "Home" option from File Explorer's navigation pane can help simplify your file navigation experience. By understanding how to use the properties settings, you can customize your File Explorer to meet your specific needs and preferences.