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Quick Access Toolbar Disappeared: How to Restore it Quickly
Surefire ways to restore the Quick Access Toolbar in File Explorer
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) is customizable, usually at the top of File Explorer’s window. This toolbar provides quick access to various File Explorer options and tools.
However, it’s not good if the QAT mysteriously disappeared fromExplorer. If you can’t find this feature on your File Explorer, we will show you how to restore it in this guide.
Why is my Quick Access toolbar not showing?
The most common cause of the Quick Access Toolbar disappeared issue is the use of third-party software tocustomize File Explorer.
While these apps improve your File Explorer’s features and give it a stunning look, they can remove some of your most-used tools. The easiest way to fix this issue is to remove this software.
Restore an invisible Quick Access Toolbar using these methods
1. Move the Toolbar Below the Ribbon
If you can’t see any Quick Access Toolbar at the top ofFile Explorer‘s window, move the QAT below the Ribbon instead. The QAT will most likely disappear when you add third-party add-ons such as Clover toFile Explorer.
Clover adds a new tab bar to the top ofFile Exploreras shown in the snapshot below.
Thus, Clover is one program that removes the Quick Access Toolbar from the top ofFile Explorer. To get it back, right-click the Ribbon and select theShow Quick Access Toolbar below the Ribbonoption.
2. Add New Options to the Quick Access Toolbar
You can remove all the options and icons from the Quick Access Toolbar. So it might seem like the QAT has disappeared if there are no buttons on it.
However, you can still select the Quick Access Toolbar’s small arrow icon shown in the snapshot below.
Click that arrow icon, and then select all the options on the menu to restore them on the QAT. Then you can select those options on the Quick Access Toolbar.
You can also add buttons to the QAT by right-clicking an option on the Ribbon and selectingAdd to Quick Access Toolbar.
Then the QAT will re-emerge below the Ribbon.
3. Remove File Explorer Customization Software
As mentioned, third-party customization software forFile Explorercan remove the Quick Access Toolbar. That’s especially the case for programs that add new folder tabs toFile Explorerand customize theUI.
QTTabBar, Clover 3, and Tab Explorer are three programs thatadd tabs to File Explorer.
As such, uninstallingFile Explorercustomization software will probably restore your Quick Access Toolbar. You can uninstall the programs by pressing theWindowskey +Rhotkey and enteringappwiz.cplin Run.
That will open the tab shown in the snapshot directly below. Then select a program to remove, and press itsUninstallbutton.
4. Reset the Quick Access Toolbar
If you haven’t installed anyFile Explorercustomization software, reset the Quick Access Toolbar. Resetting the Quick Access Toolbar via the registry will restore it to its original configuration, which will probably fix various QAT issues.
There you have everything you need to fix the Quick Access Toolbar disappeared issue. All you need to do now is to follow the steps carefully, and things should be back to normal.
Similarly, if theFile Explorer is not responding on your PC, check our detailed guide to fix it.
Feel free to let us know the solution that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.
More about the topics:Windows 10 Guides
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
