File Explorer file structure customization

dbsoccer · 14 Sep 2022

So my learnings on several fronts continues and I feel progress is being made.

I've trimmed the Explorer view down so there is less clutter and I'm feeling I'm getting close. I need so help to move it, hopefully, to the final stage. Below are two images toggled by options in the navigation pane. The smaller one is close to being a final but it is missing some stuff from the larger hierarchy.

One shows Desktop, David Spomer at the top (not wanted), plus a list of USB drives, the DVD and then Libraries and a repeat of the drives. When I toggled off the 'Libraries' I also got rid of the unwanted Desktop and David Spomer but all the USB drives are gone. (I plugged in a drive in E just to see if it would show up.) Can I add any of these drives back such as the DVD? I also don't know why the E: drive is displayed twice.

File Explorer file structure customization-screenshot-2022-09-14-203608.png

File Explorer file structure customization-screenshot-2022-09-14-205931.png

Try3 · 14 Sep 2022

I suggest

1 Set File explorer to open at ThisPC
File explorer, View menu, Options [an icon on its right-hand end]: Open File explorer to: ThisPC

2 Tidy up the list of drives so they are not repeated. Once again, this is not altering any drives, only your view of them. All drives will be shown within ThisPC.
Add or Remove Duplicate Drives in Navigation Pane of File Explorer - TenForumsTutorials

3 Clean up navigation pane - this might be what you described having just done.
In the clear area under the last entry in your left-hand pane ['Navigation pane'], right-click

File Explorer file structure customization-expand-current-folder.png

- Clear Show libraries,
- Clear Show all folders,
- Click on Expand to current folder to set it.

4 Close & re-open File explorer then post another screenshot of it when it opens along with your comments about what else you want to change.

My comments
A You will sometimes see the whole tree shown as stemming from "Desktop" & your user name but with these settings it will not happen very often [and it will never open that way].
B I do not suggest hiding Quick access. I find it very useful for getting straight to some specific folders without having to browse down to them.

File Explorer file structure customization-quick-access.png

You might like the Recent items, Recent folders entries or you might not. If you would like them then I'll dig out the instructions for showing them. I don't use them very often at all.

Oh, the proper part is south of the Thames,
Thanks for the rep,
Denis

dbsoccer · 15 Sep 2022

Thanks Denis, I believe I'm ready to stick a fork in this issue. I agree with you leaving Quick Access is handy but I also learned I can pin what I want listed and not allow frequently access folders to be displayed at the whim of MS.

Next time I'm in London I'll make sure I stay on the south side of the Thames. I'm sure there is one or two good pubs on the south side as well.

Brent

Try3 · 15 Sep 2022

Brent,

dbsoccer said:

not allow frequently access folders to be displayed

I agree with you about 'frequently' used folders.
I don't display them. I only display recent files & recent folders.

All the best,
Denis