Put Links folder replacing Quick Access

Windows 7 had a great feature, the Links on the left side of Windows Explorer. Using the Links folder we could rename the shortcuts. When Microsoft introduced the Quick Access, if you rename a shortcut, it will rename the folder. I don't want that.

Does anyone know how to bring back the Links(Favorites) back replacing the Quick Access?

1 Answer

I think that your post is wrongly labelled "Windows 7". My answer below assumes that you are on Windows 10 and would like to return to the navigation pane of Explorer the item of Favorites and perhaps remove Quick Access.

Below is a method for returning the Favorites folder to the Quick Access pane.

Add or delete the Favorites folder

To add, create and execute the following .reg file :

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}]
@="Favorites"
"SortOrderIndex"=dword:00000004
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}]
"SortOrderIndex"=dword:00000004
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel]
"{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}"=dword:00000001

To remove :

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\HideDesktopIcons\NewStartPanel]
"{323CA680-C24D-4099-B94D-446DD2D7249E}"=-

Add or delete the Quick Access folder

To remove :

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer]
"HubMode"=dword:00000001

To add back :

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer]
"HubMode"=dword:00000000