Windows 11 lets you pin folders to the File Explorer navigation pane (side pane) so that you can pin most frequently accessed folders to the File Explorer navigation pane for quick and easy access.
The pinned folders always appear in the left pane of the File Explorer, meaning you can access them from any folder or location in the File Explorer.
Most PC users are aware of the pinned folders feature and often use it. However, what most users do not know is that pinned folders can also be accessed from the taskbar and Start menu! Yes, you do not need to open File Explorer every time to access a pinned folder. You can access them right from the Start menu or taskbar.
The following are the four easy ways to access pinned folders in Windows 11.
Method 1 of 4
Access pinned folders from the taskbar in Windows 11
Step 1: Right-click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar to see the jump list, which shows pinned folders at the top and frequent folders at the bottom of the list.
You may click on an entry to open it in the File Explorer.
Method 2 of 4
Access pinned folders from the Start menu in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows logo key on the keyboard or clicking the Windows logo icon on the taskbar.
Step 2: In the Start menu, right-click the File Explorer icon to see the menu, which shows pinned folders among other options.
Method 3 of 4
Use keyboard shortcuts to access pinned folders in Windows 11
If you often need to access pinned folders and prefer using keyboard shortcuts, this is the method for you.
Step 1: Observe the position (left to right) of the File Explorer icon on the taskbar from the Windows logo icon.
Step 2: Use Windows logo + Alt + File Explorer position number on the taskbar. For instance, if File Explorer is the third icon from the Windows logo (Start button), then you would use Windows logo + Alt + 3 to see the jump list, which shows the pinned folders.
Step 3: Use the up and down arrow keys to select the pinned folder and then press the Enter key to open it.
Method 4 of 4
Access pinned folders from the File Explorer in Windows 11
Step 1: In the File Explorer navigation pane, click on a pinned folder’s entry to navigate to the same. If you prefer opening the pinned folder in a new window, right-click it and then click Open in new tab or Open in new window option.
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