Since Microsoft rolled out Windows 11, users have reported errors with File Explorer. One such error includes Windows File Explorer Sidebar missing.

Simple solutions to get your sidebar back on File Explorer

  • File Explorer left pane missing occurs after a Windows Update.Changing the configurations on File Explorer might remove the sidebar from File explorer.Resizing the File Explorer window can easily troubleshoot this problem.

  • Download Restoro PC Repair Tool that comes with Patented Technologies (patent available here).

  • Click Start Scan to find Windows issues that could be causing PC problems.

  • Click Repair All to fix issues affecting your computer’s security and performance

  • Restoro has been downloaded by 0 readers this month.

In this article, we’ll provide you with the necessary steps you can take to help you successfully resolve this error. 

Why is the File Explorer left pane Missing?

The Windows File Explorer left pane missing is usually triggered after a Windows update. However, other reasons might cause the file explorer left pane to disappear. Some of them include the following:

  • File Explorer settings: Like all applications, File explorer has settings that control the app’s appearance. If you’ve tampered with such configurations, it might be the reason why the Windows file explorer sidebar is missing.
  • Corrupt Windows files: If your PC’s system files get corrupted, you’ll run into operational errors, which can cause the file explorer left pane to disappear.
  • Windows Upgrade: If you just upgraded your PC from a lower Windows version, the File Explorer sidebar might disappear.

How to get my File Explorer sidebar if it’s missing

Before we attempt more advanced troubleshooting steps, here are some quick tips you can test:

  • Close File Explorer and restart the application.
  • Restart your PC.
  • Resize File Explorer (maximize) window.

If these steps couldn’t fix the File Explorer sidebar missing, here are some advanced troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Change the File Explorer settings

  • Press the Windows + R keys to open File Explorer and click on View.
  • Select Show and check the option of the Navigation pane.
  • Close File Explorer and relaunch the app.

While this is an efficient fix that will immediately get your sidebar back, you can also apply this solution as a fix if File Explorer is not showing the top bar.

2. Re-Register the shdocvw.dll file

  • Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt in the search bar, and select Run as Administrator.
  • Select Yes when the UAC prompts for confirmation.
  • In the command prompt Window, type in the following and hit Enter: regsvr32 /i shdocvw

The shdocvw.dll file controls the majority of the Windows user interface. Since this error is UI related, re-registering the file might help resolve the error.

3. Roll back Windows Update

  • Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  • Select Windows Update and click on Update History.
  • Click on Uninstall Windows Update.
  • Locate the specific update from the list of Windows Updates and click on Uninstall to remove the update.

If Windows file explorer is missing, rolling back a Windows update can help resolve the problem. Here is a detailed guide that includes what you need to know about Windows update settings. 

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You should note that cannot install some updates. After installing a Windows Update, you might run into errors that can only be fixed by uninstalling the update.

4. Run a DISM Scan

  • Left-click the Start button, type Command Prompt in the search bar, and select Run as Administrator.
  • Type the following and hit Enter:  sfc /scannow
  • Type the following and hit Enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  • Wait until the processes are completed and close the Command Prompt.

A DISM scan helps detects and fix problems with files on your computer; running the scan might help resolve the File Explorer left pane missing.

Alternatively, you can opt for a specialized tool like Restoro to scan your PC for corrupt or missing files and replace them automatically with healthy parts from its regularly-revised vault.

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Should your SFC scan stops to work or not responding, hop on this guide to find quick fixes for the problem.

If your File Explorer sidebar needs to be included, it’s nothing serious. It’sIt’s likely you have a faulty Windows update, or you changed the view settings.

With the steps listed above, you should be able to restore your Windows sidebar in no time. If you’ve got other solutions that helped you resolve this problem, you can let us know in the comments section.

If the advices above haven’t solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

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