How to Add or Remove Gallery in File Explorer Navigation Pane in Windows 11

In the newest builds of Windows 11, Microsoft users can now access their photo galleries through the Gallery app. Similar to OneDrive’s “Pictures” folder, the Gallery feature provides quick access to photo libraries (particularly those that are frequently accessed).

While this feature is useful for personal use, it may not align with organizational needs—especially if you work in a highly regulated industry where security is paramount. As such, you may be researching how to remove Gallery from File Explorer, especially if you are part of a managed environment.

In fact, it is recommended that IT admins of larger organizations remove Gallery from File Explorer to enhance privacy, standardize the user interface across multiple devices, and reduce UI clutter.

The Gallery icon typically appears just below ‘Home’ in the left-hand navigation pane. By following the steps below, you will toggle the visibility of this node without affecting your actual file storage.

For a quick visual overview, watch our video guide on How to Add or Remove Gallery in File Explorer Navigation Pane in Windows 11

How to remove Gallery from Windows 11 navigation pane

Before proceeding, make sure that you meet the following technical requirements:

• You must be using Windows 11 build 22621.1635 or later. If you’re a NinjaOne user, you can check for Windows 11 update compatibility here.
• Some of the methods listed below require administrator privileges. If you don’t have this, you may need to ask your IT admin to apply these changes for you.

Method 1: Using Registry Editor

⚠️ Back up your Windows Registry before following these instructions. Incorrect configurations in the editor can cause system instability.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and click Enter.
2. Go to the following key:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Right-click on the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this ShowGallery.
4. Set the value of the key:
   • 1 : Shows the gallery
   • 0 : Hides the gallery
5. Close the editor, then restart File Explorer. To do this:
   • Open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
   • Find Windows Explorer under Processes
   • Right-click it, and select Restart.

Pro Tip: If the Gallery icon persists after restarting Explorer, right-click a blank space inside the Navigation Pane and select ‘Refresh’. If it still appears, a full system sign-out/sign-in will force the update.

Method 2: Using PowerShell

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1. Open PowerShell as an Administrator.
2. Execute the following command:
   Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced” -Name “ShowGallery” -Value 0Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force
3. To re-enable the gallery, change the ShowGallery value to 1 using the same command structure.

Note: Ensure you use straight quotes (” “) rather than curly “smart quotes” when pasting the command into PowerShell to avoid syntax errors.

Method 3: Using Group Policy preferences

💡 Keep in mind that there is no native Group Policy Object (GPO) setting for Gallery. However, IT admins can deploy the registry change using Group Policy preferences.

1. Press Win + R, type gpmc.msc, and click Enter.
2. Navigate to your desired organizational unit (OU).
3. Right-click and select Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here. Name the GPO appropriately.
4. Right-click on the GPO and select Edit. Navigate to User Configuration > Preferences > Windows Settings > Registry.
5. Right-click on Registry and choose New > DWORD Value.
6. Set the following:
   • Action: Update
   • Hive: HKEY_CURRENT_USER
   • Key Path: Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
   • Value Name: ShowGallery
   • Value Type: REG_DWORD
   • Value Data: 0
7. Link the GPO to the appropriate OU.
8. Once done, force a Group Policy update by executing the gpudate /force command on target machines.

Troubleshooting: Registry Access Denied

If you receive an error while creating the ShowGallery value, you may need to take ownership of the Advanced key. Right-click the folder in Regedit > Permissions > Advanced, and ensure your user account has ‘Full Control’.

Additional considerations when you remove the Gallery from the navigation pane in Windows 11

• Gallery integration: Removing the Gallery from the Navigation pane doesn’t delete any of your pictures. The Gallery feature simply aggregates images from the Picture library and OneDrive; removing it would only remove the shortcut from the navigation pane.
• Windows updates: Feature availability may change with cumulative updates. After updates, verify if the Gallery has reappeared and reapply the settings if necessary.
• Non-Enterprise editions: Note that in editions like Windows 11 Home, the Gallery may reappear after an update if not enforced by scripts or GPOs.
• System File Checker: Running sfc /scannow or resetting Explorer settings may revert changes. Monitor and reapply settings as needed.

Improve privacy by learning how to remove the Gallery from File Explorer

The Gallery feature in File Explorer helps you easily and quickly access your personal photos. Still, this feature may not be necessary (and, in fact, could be detrimental) in professional environments. Thankfully, you can remove this feature by using registry edits, PowerShell scripts, and Group Policy preferences.