How Do I Hide/Show File Explorer’s Navigation Pane in Windows 11

Windows 11 has a sleek and modern design. But sometimes, too many things on the screen can feel overwhelming. One of these elements is the Navigation Pane in File Explorer.

The Navigation Pane is that area on the left side of File Explorer. It shows quick access to folders, drives, and network locations. While useful, some users prefer a cleaner look.

Want to hide or show the Navigation Pane? It’s super easy! Let’s go step by step.

Hiding the Navigation Pane

If you want a clutter-free File Explorer, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer. You can press Win + E on your keyboard.
2. Click on the View button in the top ribbon.
3. Hover over Show. A submenu will appear.
4. Click on Navigation Pane to uncheck it.

That’s it! The left-side pane will disappear instantly, giving you a cleaner workspace.

Showing the Navigation Pane

Changed your mind? Need quick access to folders again? No worries! Here’s how to bring it back:

1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).
2. Click on the View menu at the top.
3. Hover over Show to open its submenu.
4. Click Navigation Pane to check it.

Now, your Navigation Pane is back in action!

Why Hide or Show It?

You might be wondering, “Why even bother?” Here are a few reasons:

• Cleaner Look: Hiding it makes File Explorer look sleek and simple.
• Less Distraction: If you don’t use it often, hiding it keeps things focused.
• Easy Access: Keeping it visible helps you quickly navigate folders and drives.

It all depends on your preference. Toggle it on or off anytime!

Using the Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

Want to tweak things deeper? You can hide the Navigation Pane through the Registry Editor. But be careful! Changing the wrong settings can cause issues.

1. Press Win + R and type regedit. Hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Find NavPaneShowAll in the right panel.
4. Double-click it and change its value:
   • Set it to 0 to hide the Navigation Pane.
   • Set it to 1 to show it.
5. Restart File Explorer or reboot your PC for changes to apply.

Again, only try this if you’re comfortable with the Registry Editor!

Quick Shortcut for Navigation Pane

Want a faster way? There’s a keyboard shortcut that works like magic:

• Press Alt + V, then H.

This quickly opens the View menu and toggles the Navigation Pane on or off.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to hide or show the Navigation Pane in Windows 11. It’s a small change, but it can make a big difference in your workflow. Try it out and customize File Explorer just the way you like it!