Quick Access mixes pinned folders with recently used ones
The Quick Access list shows both folders you've explicitly pinned and folders Explorer has recently detected you visiting often, which can make the list feel cluttered over time. Right-clicking any folder in the list and choosing "Unpin from Quick Access" removes it individually, and there's a File Explorer option to turn off showing recently used files or folders automatically if you'd rather keep the list to only what you pinned yourself.
Pinning doesn't move or copy anything
Pinning a folder to Quick Access only creates a shortcut-style entry in the sidebar; it doesn't move, copy, or otherwise change the folder's actual location on disk. Deleting a pin from Quick Access is equally safe β it only removes the shortcut, never the original folder or its contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does pinning a folder to Quick Access also sync it to another computer?
No. Quick Access pins are stored locally on that specific Windows installation, so they won't automatically appear on a different computer even if you're signed in with the same account.
Can I reorder the folders pinned in Quick Access?
Yes. You can drag and drop pinned folders within the Quick Access list to rearrange the order they appear in.