Windows 10 Quick access and This PC not being populated

Windows 10 Quick Access and This PC Not Being Populated

If you are a Windows 10 user and have noticed that your Quick Access and This PC folders are not being populated with the usual files and folders, don't worry! This issue can be frustrating, but it is usually easy to fix. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of this problem and provide step-by-step instructions to resolve it.

Possible Causes

There are a few reasons why your Quick Access and This PC folders may not be populated:

1. File Explorer settings: It is possible that your File Explorer settings have been modified, causing the folders to appear empty.
2. Corrupted system files: In some cases, corrupted system files can lead to this issue.
3. Third-party software conflict: Certain third-party software can interfere with the normal functioning of Quick Access and This PC.

Step-by-Step Solution

Follow these steps to resolve the problem of Quick Access and This PC not being populated:

1. Reset File Explorer settings:

1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows Key + E on your keyboard.

2. Click on the "View" tab at the top of the File Explorer window.

3. In the "Show/hide" section, click on the "Options" button.

4. In the "Folder Options" window, click on the "View" tab.

5. Click on the "Reset Folders" button and then click "Yes" to confirm.

6. Click "OK" to close the "Folder Options" window.

7. Close File Explorer and reopen it to see if the issue is resolved.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC) scan:

1. Press the Windows Key + X on your keyboard and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" from the menu.

2. In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

3. Wait for the scan to complete. This process may take some time.

4. Once the scan is finished, restart your computer and check if Quick Access and This PC are now populated.

3. Disable third-party software:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

2. In the Task Manager window, click on the "Startup" tab.

3. Disable any third-party software that you suspect may be causing the issue. To do this, right-click on the software and select "Disable".

4. Restart your computer and check if Quick Access and This PC are now populated.

Conclusion

If your Windows 10 Quick Access and This PC folders are not being populated, it can be frustrating. However, by following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue and regain access to your files and folders. If the problem persists, it may be worth contacting a technical support professional for further assistance.

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