With default settings, the Windows 11 File Explorer shows pinned and frequently opened folders in the left navigation pane so that users can access them quickly and easily. In addition to these folders, it also displays This PC and Network at the bottom of the pane.
The pinned and recently accessed folders in the navigation pane let you quickly access them. Likewise, the This PC also lets you quickly access various drives on your PC.
Clicking the Network icon opens up the Network folder. However, in order to use it, you need to turn on the network discovery and file sharing. Once these are turned on, you can connect to other computers on the network and share files and folders with them. This feature is mostly used by users who have multiple computers and need to share files/folders.
However, Network might not be useful to users who do not add network locations or share files.
Luckily, like everything else, the Windows 11 File Explorer navigation pane (left pane) can also be customized to remove Network. This guide shows you how to remove Network from Windows 11 File Explorer navigation pane.
Remove Network from Windows 11 File Explorer
Step 1: Open This PC, Home or any folder on your PC.
Step 2: Click the three dots in the command bar and then click Options to open Folder Options dialog box (refer to the picture below). The Folder Options dialog houses options and settings to customize File Explorer.
Step 3: Click on the View tab to switch to it.
Step 4: Scroll down the Advanced settings list. Here, deselect the Show Network option.
Step 5: Finally, click the Apply button to remove Network from the File Explorer navigation pane. That’s it!
From now onwards, the Windows 11 File Explorer will not show Network in the left pane. If Network is still appearing, please restart the File Explorer or your PC once.
Tip: You can quickly access pinned and frequently opened folders by right-clicking on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
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