How to get to the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders in File Explorer | Windows 11 version 22H2

Starting with Windows 11, version 22H2, the known Windows folders—Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos—are available by default as pinned folders in Quick access in both File Explorer Home and the left navigation pane. These default folders are no longer displayed under This PC to keep the view focused on your PC’s drives and network locations.

Restore known folders if you have unpinned them

If you unpin these known Windows folders and decide to restore them later, here is an easy way to restore them in Quick access under Home and in the navigation pane: 

• Select the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
  
  
• Select Home in the left navigation pane.
  
  
• Select the Up arrow from the navigation buttons available to the left of the address bar. This view displays all 6 known Windows folders—Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Music, and Videos.
  
  
• Right-click on the folder you wish to restore and select Pin to Quick access from the context menu.
  
  

The folder will now be available in your navigation pane and in File Explorer Home.

Restore the left navigation pane if you have hidden it

If you have hidden the left navigation pane and would like to make it visible in your File Explorer window, you can show it again using these steps: 

• Select the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.
  
  
• Select View from the Command Bar.
  
  
• Select Show, then select Navigation Pane.
  
  

The navigation pane should now be visible in your File Explorer window.

Source: Microsoft