Is Your File Explorer Sidebar Missing? How to Get It Back

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Simple solutions to get your sidebar back on File Explorer

4 min. read

Updated onMarch 29, 2024

updated onMarch 29, 2024

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Key notes

Since Microsoft rolled out Windows 11, users have reportederrors with File Explorer. One such error includes the Windows File Explorer sidebar missing.

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:

Now that we know the potential reasons behind this glitch, let’s see how we can fix it.

How do I get my File Explorer sidebar back?

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

If these steps couldn’t fix the File Explorer sidebar missing, here are some advanced solutions.

1. Change the File Explorer settings

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

2. Re-Register the shdocvw.dll file

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 the latest Windows update

If Windows File Explorer is missing, rolling back a Windows update can help resolve the problem. Here is a detailed guide that includeswhat you need to know about Windows update settings.

After installing a Windows Update, you might run into errors that can only be fixed byuninstalling the update.

4. Run SFC and DISM scans

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 aspecialized repair toolto scan your PC for corrupt or missing files and replace them automatically with healthy parts.

Should yourSFC 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. You likely have a faulty Windows update, or you changed the view settings.

With the steps listed above, you can restore your Windows sidebar quickly. If you’ve got other solutions that helped you resolve this problem, you can let us know in the comments section.

Is Your File Explorer Sidebar Missing? How to Get It Back#

Why is the File Explorer left pane missing?#

How do I get my File Explorer sidebar back?#

1. Change the File Explorer settings#

2. Re-Register the shdocvw.dll file#

3. Roll back the latest Windows update#

4. Run SFC and DISM scans#