Removing the "Home" section from File Explorer in Windows involves a few steps that can be done through the Registry Editor. This process modifies the system's registry settings, so it's crucial to follow the steps carefully to avoid any potential system issues. Below is a detailed guide on how to remove the "Home" section from File Explorer in Windows.
File Explorer, also known as Windows Explorer, is the file management application that comes with Windows operating systems. Over the years, it has seen numerous updates and changes. One of the more recent additions is the "Home" section, introduced in Windows 10. This section aims to provide quick access to frequently used files and folders, as well as recent files. However, not everyone finds this feature useful, and some may prefer a more traditional File Explorer layout.
Why Remove the Home Section?
There are several reasons why someone might want to remove the "Home" section from File Explorer:
Preference for Simplicity: Some users prefer a cleaner and simpler interface without the extra sections and shortcuts that Windows adds by default.
Privacy Concerns: The "Home" section displays recently accessed files and folders, which might be a privacy concern, especially on shared computers.
Customization: Advanced users often customize their operating system to better fit their workflow and aesthetic preferences.
Step-by-Step Guide
Warning
Modifying the Windows Registry can have significant impacts on your system. Incorrect changes can cause system instability or even render Windows unbootable. It's highly recommended to back up your registry before making any changes.
Backing Up the Registry
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
In the Registry Editor, select File > Export.
Choose a location to save the backup file, name it, and ensure the Export range is set to All.
Click Save.
Removing the Home Section
Open Registry Editor:
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to the CLSID key:
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer
Create a New Key:
Right-click on the MyComputer key, select New, and then Key.
Name the new key {0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}.
Set the Default Value:
Click on the newly created key and then double-click the (Default) value in the right pane.
Set the value to ThisPCPolicy.
Click OK.
Create a New String Value:
Right-click in the right pane of the newly created key, select New, and then String Value.
Name the new string value ThisPCPolicy.
Double-click on the ThisPCPolicy value and set it to Hide.
Click OK.
Close Registry Editor:
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Verifying the Changes
After the system restarts, open File Explorer. The "Home" section should no longer be visible. Instead, File Explorer should open directly to "This PC" or another default location as specified in your settings.
Troubleshooting
If the "Home" section still appears after following the above steps, ensure that you followed each step precisely. Double-check the registry paths and values to ensure they are correct. If issues persist, restoring the registry from the backup you created earlier can revert the changes and help troubleshoot further.
Customizing File Explorer by removing the "Home" section can enhance your user experience by simplifying the interface and addressing privacy concerns. While the process involves editing the Windows Registry, careful adherence to the steps outlined in this guide can help ensure a smooth modification. Always remember to back up your registry before making changes and proceed with caution to avoid any unintended system issues.
