1. The Problem: Home Folder Disappeared After Windows Update?
After a recent system update, many users notice something alarming: the familiar “Home” folder icon is gone from the left pane of File Explorer. Instead, the window may open to “This PC,” and your frequently accessed folders and recent files are missing. This can severely reduce productivity, especially if you rely on quick access to recently used documents.
The good news? It’s not a bug—it’s just a hidden setting. With a few tweaks using the Registry Editor, you can bring everything back.
2. Step One: Restore the Home Folder Icon in the Navigation Pane
- Open Registry Editor: Type `regedit` in the search box and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace
- Find the subkey starting with `{f874310e…`: Inside this subkey, locate a value named `HiddenByDefault` in the right-hand panel.
- Edit the value: Double-click `HiddenByDefault` and change its data from `1` to `0`, then click OK.
- Reopen File Explorer: Now the “Home” icon should appear again in the left pane.
3. Step Two: Set File Explorer to Open in Home View
Even with the Home icon restored, File Explorer might still open to “This PC.” Let’s fix that by changing the default launch behavior.
- Navigate in Registry Editor to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- Locate `LaunchTo` key: If not present, right-click and create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named `LaunchTo`.
- Set the value: Change it from `1` (This PC) to `0` (Home), and click OK.
- Open File Explorer again: Now the right-hand content should reflect the Home folder, showing your recent and pinned folders.
4. Summary: Easy Fix for a Frustrating Issue
With just two Registry edits, you’ve solved both the navigation pane icon issue and the default view setting. These changes make it easier to stay productive and prevent confusion caused by sudden UI changes after system updates.
5. Demo Video
You can watch the following demo video by select the subtitle to your preferred subtitle language.