The Windows 11 File Explorer sidebar organizes your computer’s file directory, but your workplace may want to move “Library” in the navigation pane for easier accessibility. This guide demonstrates how to move File Explorer libraries using advanced user tools, key points, and more.
Expertly manage File Explorer libraries
While other folders can be repositioned via the GUI, the Libraries folder requires more granular control. When selecting a method below, remember to consider your goals, technical constraints, and scope.
⚠️ Important: Go to File Explorer > Options > View tab to make Libraries visible on the navigation pane.
📌 Prerequisites:
- Windows 11 (any edition)
- Administrator privileges
- Familiarity with Registry Editor and PowerShell
- “Show all folders” turned off in File Explorer’s navigation pane settings
📌 Recommended deployment strategies:
| Click to Choose a Method | 💻 Best for Individual Users | 💻💻💻 Best for Enterprises |
| Method 1: Registry Editor | ✓ | |
| Method 2: PowerShell | ✓ |
Method 1: Modify position via Registry Editor
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues. Create a backup before proceeding.
📌 Use Cases: Directly modify registry values to move a Library in the navigation pane per user.
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Ctrl + Shift Enter.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}
- If you don’t see {031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}, do the following:
- Press Win + S, type Notepad, and press Enter.
- Paste the following:
- If you don’t see {031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}, do the following:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}]
@="Libraries"
"System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:00000001
"SortOrderIndex"=dword:0000003C
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:a0900100
"PinToNameSpaceTree"="yes"
- When selecting a file type, choose All Files.
- Name the text file with a .reg extension (e.g., AddCLSIDforLibraries.reg).
- Run the file to merge registry settings.
- In the right pane, double-click the SortOrderIndex DWORD value.
- If it does not exist, right-click on the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it “SortOrderIndex.”
- Set the value:
- To place Libraries above “This PC”, type 64
- To place Libraries below “This PC”, type 84
💡 Note: SortOrderIndex arranges your shell folders (e.g., “This PC,” “Network,” etc.) in ascending order, so a lower value places Libraries in a higher position.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Log out and log back in or restart File Explorer to apply changes.
Method 2: Use PowerShell to move “Library” in the navigation pane
Manage libraries across your enterprise with scripted commands.
📌 Use Cases: Automate registry changes that reposition libraries for several workstations.
- Press Win + R, type “powershell”, and press Ctrl + Shift Enter.
- To position Libraries above “This PC”, run the following:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Classes\CLSID\{031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}" -Name "SortOrderIndex" -Value 64 -Type DWord
- To position Libraries below “This PC”, run the following:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Classes\CLSID\{031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}" -Name "SortOrderIndex" -Value 84 -Type DWord
- Log out and log back in or restart File Explorer to apply changes.
Verification
After applying your changes, simply open File Explorer (Win + E) and check if your Libraries folder is located above or below “This PC”.
⚠️ Things to look out for
| Risks | Potential Consequences | Reversals |
| Wrong data type created (e.g., String instead of DWORD [32-bit] value) | File Explorer UI glitches | Delete the incorrect subkey and create the SortOrderIndex DWORD value |
| Editing a system-wide registry value (HKLM) instead of a user-only value | Unstable changes affect all users | Use an “HKEY_CURRENT_USER” registry path only unless necessary |
| Unable to restart in a zero-downtime system | Changes that move the Library in the navigation pane won’t reflect immediately. | Use PowerShell to run Use Stop-Process -Name explorer -Force, then Start-Process explorer |
Important considerations when you move “Library” in the navigation pane
Use these insights to optimize the way you modify Explorer and help diagnose problems.
Changes are per user
The registry path used to rearrange File Explorer libraries only affects the current user. This is done to protect system stability, which can be disrupted by slight misconfigurations. Click here for typical risks and how to reverse them.
Show all folders
Leaving “Show all folders” enabled in Explorer forces Libraries to always appear below “This PC”. Before applying any changes, ensure that the setting is off to enable any changes made using SortOrderIndex.
No GPO for moving File Explorer libraries
No Group Policy Object (GPO) setting exists to control Libraries’ position in the navigation pane. GPOs can modify certain File Explorer behaviors, but none of them can directly rearrange shell folders like Libraries.
Troubleshooting
Modifying low-level settings carries considerable risk, so we listed the most common problems that occur when you move “Library” in the navigation pane, and how to fix them.
Configure SortOrderIndex
Incorrect SortOrderIndex values may prevent Libraries from changing order. Review the process, and ensure that you’re working in the correct CLSID to move a Library in the navigation pane:
{031E4825-7B94-4dc3-B131-E946B44C8DD5}
Confirm the correct registry path
Using the incorrect registry path can cause:
- No changes
- Conflicts between system-wide and user-specific settings
- Unpredictable shell behavior
Restart the computer
Log out and in again, or restart Explorer to refresh your navigation pane. Doing so reloads your shell’s namespace and makes your sidebar changes visible.
Enforce navigation pane changes with automated solutions
You can move “Library” in the navigation pane by modifying SortOrderIndex in the Registry Editor. Always have a backup prepared to ensure your operations remain uninterrupted.
Configuring Explorer-related system settings can be risky. That said, you can automate quality-of-life patches with Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software, which can drive productivity towards more important projects.
Related topics:
- How to Turn “Expand to Open Folder” On or Off in File Explorer’s Navigation Pane in Windows 11
- How to Manage Show Preview Handlers in the Preview Pane of File Explorer in Windows 11
- How to Add or Remove Gallery in File Explorer Navigation Pane in Windows 11
- How to Add or Remove a User Folder in the Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 10
- How to Add or Remove Dropbox in the Navigation Pane in Windows 10
