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Windows 7

Hide Individual Libraries in Explorer Folder Navigation Pane

SUMMARY: Collapse the entire list of libraries in the Navigation Pane of Explorer folders in Windows 7, or hide individual Libraries or all of them.

When displaying Explorer folder windows in Windows 7, the Navigation Pane displays, among other elements, links to the following Libraries - Documents, Music, Pictures, and Video.

Since this Navigation Pane also displays links to Favorites, Network locations, and other folders, you might wish to collapse this list of Libraries to allow more space for other items without needing to scroll vertically. Or, you can hide individual libraries from the Navigation Pane so they are not displayed even if you un-collapse the listing.


Collapse this list:

To collapse the list of Libraries, hover your mouse over the "Libraries" link and click the small arrow to the left. Or right-click and choose "Collapse".


Remove individual entries:

Or, remove the links from the navigation pane. Right-click a library and select "Don't show in navigation pane". Repeat as desired for Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, and/or any user-created Libraries.


Restoring Libraries:

If later you would like to display a particular library or all libraries in the Explorer Navigation Pane, first right-click the "Libraries" link and choose "Restore default libraries".


Explorer will now show the "Libraries" window. Now right-click each library you want to restore and select "Show in navigation pane".


This tip was written for Windows 7 RC. Screenshots and information are subject to change between this and the official release of Windows 7.

Return to the Windows 7 page.

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The MalekTips website was created in 1998 by Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. The page's goal is to freely disperse computer-related tips, hints, and informative articles. Tips are organized to be easy to find, and are presented clearly, in easy-to-understand language. MalekTips also provides information and links to public-domain, open source, freeware, shareware, and commercial software available for download. < more >