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File Explorer folders hierarchy

Anonymous
Sep 4, 2022, 2:34 PM

I just got Windows 11 and I want to put a new folder on the same level as "Desktop," "Documents," "Downloads," "Music," "Pictures," and "Videos." It appears, though, that those are automatically-generated folders and no new folder can be at their level; your only option is to put new folders underneath those 6 folders. Is that true?

I've attached a screenshot; I want to add a new folder to the top area, with the 6 folders.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    Sep 4, 2022, 2:45 PM

    Hi David,

    You can add a custom folder in that location, but it takes a registry edit.

    Mention the full path of the folder you want to add so that I can make a REG file for you.

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  2. Anonymous
    Sep 4, 2022, 3:03 PM

    Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! So...

    I'm an old old man and was taught when I was young to never fiddle with the Registry. While I've snuck in a few subtle edits over the years, I try to avoid it.

    So the question is, is this worth it? I like having my folder hierarchy make sense so it might be, but tell me; is my interpretation of the situation correct? That is, without a reg edit, is one's only option to put new folders under the six existing ones I mentioned?

    Meanwhile, to answer your question, the folder I'd like to add would be called "Media," so I believe the full path would simply be "This PC/Media".

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  3. Anonymous
    Sep 4, 2022, 3:24 PM

    I'm not sure where registry edit came from for this rofl.

    You can just browse to C:\Users\Your user. You then create a folder right there and its with the Downloads, etc user folders there. You can pin that to quick access as well and it will show with the others there. Its nothing special.

    If you pin to quick access and slide it to where you want on that vertical side list then in the image you can have your custom folder anywhere there such as right after Desktop.

    DOES NOT require registry. DO NOT use the registry to do this.

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  4. Anonymous
    Sep 4, 2022, 3:27 PM

    Hi David,

    A registry edit is the only way to add new folders to the top area (along with those 6 shell folders) of This PC. The registry procedure I'm talking about adds a custom namespace object for your user profile only. And, you'll have an option to "undo" it at any time.

    //I believe the full path would simply be "This PC/Media".//

    Please right-click on the folder, click "Copy as Path", and paste the path in your reply.

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  5. Anonymous
    Sep 4, 2022, 3:29 PM

    You can stop saying that. Its not true lol :)

    Wish I could say its true but alas its not.

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