Windows 10- Quick Access to easily find files

If you are having difficulty in navigating your folders and drives and are forever searching for files then you should definitely consider taking advantage of Quick Access to create shortcuts to all your important folders. Your Quick Access list is available when you open the Windows File Explorer. Earlier versions of Windows have a similar arrangement called Favorites.

Manipulating files and folders in Quick Access does not change or alter the original files or folders in any way. Quick Access is only a pointer to the original files on your computer. Removing a file or folder from Quick Access does not remove or delete the original.

Quick Access in File Explorer

Removing Folders from Quick Access

The Microsoft File explorer always includes some Quick Access locations for you that you may not want. The default locations are usually Desktop, Downloads and Documents etc.

Remove from Quick access

To delete the locations you don't need, simply right-click on the location and choose Remove from Quick access from the shortcut menu.

Adding Folders to Quick Access

Adding your favourite folders is easy. Click the folder that you want to add, right-click and choose Pin to Quick access from the shortcut menu. You can also drag and drop a folder over onto Quick access to create a link for it.

Pin to Quick access

In the illustration above I have been meaning to file all my proposals in my "Proposals" folder but the folder is buried in my directory structure and I can never remember where it is, so I've just been saving my work on the desktop and neglecting my filing. A recipe for disaster. 

Quick Access shortcuts

Now, it's so easy to see your files, you don't have to worry which drive or folder they're stored in and you'll see the Quick Access listing whenever you open or save a file. Can you see how I've caught up with the filing?

Show only pinned folders

Windows automatically adds frequently used files and folders to your Quick Access list which can be a great boon or a major irritation depending on your point of view. To turn off recent files or frequent folders, click the View tab, then click Options. In the Privacy section, clear the checkboxes and select Apply. Now your Quick Access list will only show your pinned folders.

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