Quick Access folder view changes when sub folder views are changed

Clicking the File Explorer to get to the Quick Access screen, "Recent folders" is in a separate pane at the top and "recent files" is at the bottom. This is how I want my Quick Access folder to look all the time.

However, when I go to other folders on my computer and want to sort those folders to "date" or "size" or "type", it also changes the Quick Access so the Recent Files and Folders are no longer separated by a line with the Folders above the Files below.

A google search came up with multiple tips, but nothing specific. I imagine there's a random checkbox buried somewhere I don't know about that would solve this issue.

Any help would be grateful! Thanks

That's not normal, there is no 'checkbox' you are missing. This sounds like you may have maxed out saved views. Can you open a PowerShell window, copy & paste the command below, then post back with the number returned.

Code:

((gp "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU").Nodeslots).count

Keith

This was the result:

Nodeslots).count
5000

That's what I thought. 5000 is the max for saved views, so every time Explorer trys to save one view, it has to delete another --- producing behavior suck as you've seen.
To clear saved views you need to close all Explorer windows, delete the follwoing two registry keys, then log off and back on:

Code:

HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU
HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags

You will lose all individual saved views and when folders are opened, they will use the defaults --- either the Windows defaults or your custom templates if have used Apply to folders to set your preferred defaults for the various folder types. If you haven't used Appy to folders befoere, I'm happy to provide more detailed info.

Keith

KeithM said:

That's what I thought. 5000 is the max for saved views, so every time Explorer trys to save one view, it has to delete another --- producing behavior suck as you've seen.
To clear saved views you need to close all Explorer windows, delete the follwoing two registry keys, then log off and back on:

Code:

HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU
HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags

You will lose all individual saved views and when folders are opened, they will use the defaults --- either the Windows defaults or your custom templates if have used Apply to folders to set your preferred defaults for the various folder types. If you haven't used Appy to folders befoere, I'm happy to provide more detailed info.

Keith

"delete the follwoing two registry keys"

Thanks for your help. I don't know what a registry key is or where to go to delete them? I am also concerned that deleting something native to windows would produce unknown side effects? Is it not possible to clear the saved views without deleting the registry keys?

KeithM said:

No, because the registry is where saved views are stored. There are no unintended side effects to this --- it deletes the saved views, nothing more.
I think the following way will be the easiest for you:
Press Winkey+X or right-click the Start button to access the Power User menu and select Windows PowerShell.

Copy & paste the follwing into the PowerShell window & press <Enter>

Code:

ri 'HKCU:\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU' -recurse
ri 'HKCU:\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags' -recurse

After executing, close PowerShell and log off & back on.

I performed the powershell procedure and it worked! Thank you, Keith!

You're welcome. Happy to help. Thanks for the feedback.

This Is what I get..

- - - Updated - - -

KeithM said:

You're welcome. Happy to help. Thanks for the feedback.

Hey! Sorry I just sent my details Above.. Would love some help..

That's odd unless you had also just run the PowerShell I posted to delete the key.

Keith