Windows 10: Pinned Shortcuts disappearing from Quick Access after 2 days

I am running Windows 11, and for at least a year now, I've noticed that links I pin to Quick Access in File Explorer, disappear within 2 to 3 days, regardless of rebooting. I have been through all the forums and tried ALL the fixes so far suggested for this. And I really don't want to have to do a system reset just to "Solve" this issue.Surely, Microsoft must be aware of the problem? The internet is peppered with people for whom Quick Access has proved a disaster!

:)

 

Quick Access - "Location is not available"

I solved the problem without following steps 1, 2, and 3. The solution is stupidly simple and it doesn't make any difference as to whether the problem item in the Quick Access list is pinned or unpinned.

1. Create the folder in the same path where Quick Access reported it to be unlocatable. The folder will be empty.

2. Delete the folder you just created. The Quick Access item that WAS listed in Quick Access disappears!!

Note that #2 does not remove or delete the item from Quick Access. It deletes the empty folder you just created *from the machine* (i.e., it goes to the Recycle bin) and as a consequence of the deletion, it disappears from the Quick Access list.

 

Quick Access Pins Disappear

The folders that I pin to quick access disappear after a few days/weeks. The default pins stay, but the ones I add do not. Any solutions?

 

How can I stop the folders pinned to Quick Access from disappearing?

Hi Peter,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand the inconvenience you are facing with Quick Access feature.

Which version of Windows is installed on your device?

Refer the article ‘Which version of Windows operating system
am I running’ to provide the details.

I suggest you to follow the methods mentioned below to fix this issue.

Method 1

Unpin and Pin the Quick access feature

Refer the section Remove and Pin from the article
Pin, remove, and customize in Quick access for the steps. If
the issue still persists, refer Method 2.

Method 2

Reset or clear the Quick access Shortcuts

The below steps will clear the custom pinned and frequent items listing in Quick access.

1. Open the command prompt as admin.
   
2. Type the command and hit enter.
   
   del %appdata%\microsoft\windows\recent\automaticdestinations\*
   
3. Restart the computer and check the status of the issue.
   

OR

1. Open the run command (Windows + R key). Type in
   
   cmd.exe /c del "%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations\f01b4d95cf55d32a.automaticDestinations-ms"
   and hit Enter.
   
2. Restart the computer and check the status of the issue.
   

Get back to us for further assistance on this issue. We will be happy to help you.

Regards,

Muralidhar

Microsoft Community Moderator