A deeply nested folder can be easy to lose between work sessions. Quick access in Windows File Explorer gives you a convenient route back to a frequently used location. Choose the actual folder you need and verify where the shortcut opens.
Open File Explorer and find the folder
Press Windows + E or open File Explorer from the taskbar or Start. Navigate to the intended folder and check its location. Similar names can exist in different local, cloud, or shared locations.
Pin the folder
Right-click the folder and choose Pin to Quick access. Microsoft documents the pinned location in File Explorer’s Quick access area. To remove the shortcut later, right-click the pinned folder and choose Unpin from Quick access.
Verify the destination
Use the new entry and inspect the opened folder. Check a recognizable file and the location information before relying on it. A shortcut is helpful only if it leads to the intended working materials.
Use recognizable folder names
If you have several folders named “Documents” or “Project,” use the path and contents to distinguish them. Avoid renaming shared folders casually simply to improve your own shortcut list. Coordinate any underlying changes with the people affected.
Keep the collection small
Pin locations you use repeatedly, then review those that no longer serve a current purpose. A long shortcut list can recreate the navigation problem it was meant to solve. Keep occasional reference locations findable through the normal folder structure.
Separate convenience from access
Do not treat a pinned entry as evidence that you have the right permission, an up-to-date copy, or a backup. Confirm the actual state when a task depends on it. If a shared or cloud location is unavailable, diagnose that condition separately instead of creating several similarly named copies.
On a shared or managed device, follow the applicable arrangement and privacy rules. A visible shortcut title can itself reveal project context, so consider what belongs in a commonly viewed workspace.
Add a folder readme when people also need help identifying the current files after they arrive.
Source: Official Microsoft instructions. Documentation checked October 19, 2026. Featured photo is illustrative, not an application screenshot.
