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Folder Disappeared on Windows 11? How to Get it Back

Eliminating third-party conflicts will do the trick

5 min. read

Updated onApril 1, 2024

updated onApril 1, 2024

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Key notes

Windows 11 is a massive upgrade over the previous iterations, but things are not all smooth, as you would expect. A few users found that a folder or more disappeared on Windows 11.

Remember, it’s not an iteration-specific issue, and users reported that folders disappeared in Windows 10 as well. Though on the latest version, generally, the folders were missing fromThis PCor the desktop.

Why did my folder suddenly disappear?

When the folders are missing, you may have accidentally deleted/removed them or set theFile attributestoHidden. Also, the Windows 11 22H2 version rearranged entries in File Explorer, giving the impression that some folders were deleted.

And there’s always the likelihood that a third-party security program quarantined a folder or changed its location. Besides, corrupt system files may also cause some folders to disappear.

Here are some of the most common missing folders reported by users:

How do I recover a missing folder in Windows 11?

Before we start with the slightly complex changes, perform these quick checks first:

If none work, move to the fixes listed next.

2. Show desktop icons

When desktop files or folders disappeared in Windows, make sure you have configured them to be visible. Also, the files should be available in the dedicated user folder, but if youdon’t findDesktopunderUsers, check for disk issues.

3. Check the file attributes

4. Repair the corrupt system files

Corrupted system files can lead to a range of issues, including theWindowsApps folder missing. In this case, run theDISM commandsand SFC scan to get things running. Moreover, you can trydedicated third-party softwareto repair corrupt or missing files automatically with healthy replacements from a massive database.

5. Rebuild the index

When yourfiles or folders disappeared in Windows, it’s likely that the index was corrupted or the concerned item got removed from it. Simply rebuilding the index should do!

6. Remove problematic apps

If the disappeared folder doesn’t reappear in Windows 11, you may use areliable uninstaller toolto get rid of any leftover files or registry entries that remain post-removal.

7. Uninstall the latest Windows update

Preventing Folder Disappearance in Windows 11

Amongst disappeared folders in Windows 11, amissing Outlook folderalso troubled many, and quick repair does the job.

Besides, with each major update, you will notice some UI changes or theQuick Access disappearing in File Explorer,which is fixable with a reset.

If you know of more solutions, share them with us in the comments section below.

Folder Disappeared on Windows 11? How to Get it Back#

How do I recover a missing folder in Windows 11?#

1. Add folders to the Quick Access menu#

2. Show desktop icons#

3. Check the file attributes#

4. Repair the corrupt system files#

5. Rebuild the index#

6. Remove problematic apps#

7. Uninstall the latest Windows update#

Preventing Folder Disappearance in Windows 11#