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How to Show Libraries in Windows 10’s File Explorer
Learn what to do to get this feature back right away
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Libraries were introduced in Windows 7, and since then, they become a handy way to organize your files. And many users have been looking for ways to show the Libraries in Windows 10.
But, for some reason, the Libraries item is missing from theNavigation panelinWindows 10by default.
If you use the Libraries to sort files, you might want it back, and here are a couple of ways to do it.
How can I use Libraries in Windows 10 Explorer?
1. Show Libraries in Windows 10
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PressWindows+Eto openFile Explorer.
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Click on theViewtab from the top menu.
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Click on theNavigation paneoption on the left.
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ChooseShow librariesfrom the drop-down menu.
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TheLibrariesitem will now show in theNavigation panelon the left.
The Libraries feature in File Explorer needs to be manually enabled before you can use it. And this is how you can show Libraries in Windows 10. The process is simple and wouldn’t take more than a minute.
2. Open Libraries with the context menu
3. Show Libraries using the Folder Options
4. Open Libraries in Windows 10
This command is a specialshell commandwhich will open the Libraries folder directly in yourFile Explorer.
Also, in case you are facing this problem, find out what to do when theWindows key stops working.
5. Customize Libraries in Windows 10
The libraries will now show in the File Explorer on Windows 11 and can easily be accessed from there.
If youcan’t edit your Windows 10’s registry, read ourhandy guide and find the quickest solutions.
6. Fix Libraries issues
An issue with your libraries can be a significant problem, especially if you stock your data in those folders.
For those of you having library problems, we suggest you check our guide onfixing the Music Library.
It is a quick fix that will reset your Libraries, and you can apply this fix not only for the Music folder but also for Videos, Pictures, and Documents.
That should be all. We don’t know why Microsoft decided to exclude Libraries from the defaultNavigation bar, but as you can see, you can easily bring it back. And you can alwayscreate new libraries in Windows.
Also, find out how toboost the performance of your Windows 10 PC.
If you have some questions or comments, please express yourself in the comment section below.
More about the topics:windows 10
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
