Previously mentioned tools "RestorePersonalFolderToPC" Now, let's restore the personal folder that has disappeared from "This PC" in File Explorer.
The specifications have changed in Windows 11 22H2, and when you open "This PC" in Explorer, only "Devices and drives" is displayed, but the function itself has not been removed.
This time, I would like to introduce a mechanism to restore personal folders to "This PC" in Explorer.
How to restore personal folders to "This PC" in File Explorer
The mechanism for restoring personal folders to "This PC" in Explorer involves editing registry values rather than modifying system files.
Unlike third-party UI customization apps (Explorer Patcher), it does not make changes to system files, so there are no side effects.
In Windows 11 22H2, the personal folders "Downloads," "Documents," "Pictures," "Videos," "Music," and "Desktop" will be displayed if you change the registry value.
The tool simply changes these registry values and refreshes Explorer.
Registry location and key name for Personal Folders
If you operate the registry incorrectly, it may cause problems such as the system being unable to start. Please make a backup in advance using system restore or similar, and proceed at your own risk.
- How to create and restore a system restore point
- How to open and back up the Registry Editor
- Windows 11/10 Registry Basics: Concept, How to Open, and Internal Structure
- How to Take Ownership and Change Permissions in Windows 11 Registry
Pochip
1. Press Windows key + R to open Run, type "regedit" and press Enter.
2. The Registry Editor will open, so open the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpaceUnder this "NameSpace" key there are several keys with alphanumeric characters.
The following six personal folder keys were displayed in "PC".
| Key Name | Personal Folder Name |
|---|---|
| {088e3905-0323-4b02-9826-5d99428e115f} | materials |
| {d3162b92-9365-467a-956b-92703aca08af} | Documents |
| {24ad3ad4-a569-4530-98e1-ab02f9417aa8} | Picture |
| {f86fa3ab-70d2-4fc7-9c99-fcbf05467f3a} | Video |
| {3dfdf296-dbec-4fb4-81d1-6a3438bcf4de} | Music |
| {B4BFCC3A-DB2C-424C-B029-7FE99A87C641} | desktop |
Edit the registry value to view personal folders
When you select each key, you will see a RED_DWORD value named "HideIfEnabled" in the right column, with the value data set to "0x022ab9b9 (36354489)".
The meaning of the value data is as follows:
- "0x022ab9b9" = Hide folder
- "0" = Show folders
2024 / 05 / 31:
In the latest version (KB5037853 released on May 29, 2024 or later), changes to "HideIfEnabled" are no longer reflected.
There is now a new RED_DWORD value called "HiddenByDefault" set to a value of "1".
You can make the folder visible by changing this value to "0" or deleting "HiddenByDefault".
If you have installed the latest version (KB5037853 released on May 29, 2024 or later), "HideIfEnabled" is not necessary and can be deleted.
Now let's change the value data.
1. Using the personal folder key above as a reference, select the personal folder key you want to display, then double-click "HideIfEnabled" in the right column, change the value data to "0", and click OK.
2. Open File Explorer and view "This PC".
Hide personal folders by editing registry values
If you want to hide the displayed personal folders, double-click "HideIfEnabled", change the value data to "22ab9b9", and click OK.
Show options other than personal folders
You can also display options other than personal folders, so please refer to it.
| Key Name | Option Name |
|---|---|
| {5399E694-6CE5-4D6C-8FCE-1D8870FDCBA0} | コ ン ト ロ ー ル パ ネ ル |
| {323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E} | Favorites |
| {6DFD7C5C-2451-11d3-A299-00C04F8EF6AF} | File Explorer Options |
| {025A5937-A6BE-4686-A844-36FE4BEC8B6D} | 電源オプション |
| {2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D} | printer |
| {7b81be6a-ce2b-4676-a29e-eb907a5126c5} | Programs and features |
These keys do not exist, so please create them under the "NameSpace" key.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace1. Right-click on the "NameSpace" key > New > "Key".
2. Change the name of "New Key #1" to the key name of the option you want to display.
3. Right-click on the key you created > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Rename "New Value #1" to "HideIfEnabled".
Now that the options are visible, open File Explorer and view "This PC."
If you have already opened "This PC", open Explorer.ActiveThen press the "F5" key on your keyboard to display the options.
If you want to hide the option, change the value data of "HideIfEnabled" to "22ab9b9" (hexadecimal) or delete the key for the option you added.
The advantage of displaying personal folders and options by editing the registry is that users can freely choose which items they want to display.
Feel free to customize it however you like.
