By default, the Network icon is included in the navigation pane in File Explorer. This makes it easier for users to browse their local network locations. Since Network helps you browse your local network, Network Discovery and File sharing must be turned on to do so. The Network icon also shows mapped network locations in File Explorer if there are any. If you prefer not to show the Network icon in the navigation pane in File Explorer, you can do it with simple clicks. However, if the Network icon is hidden, but the option to show all folders in the navigation pane is turned on, it will also show the Network icon. Also, the Open As dialog box will show the Network icon. So, you may be able to hide the Network icon from the navigation pane, but other settings may still allow users to access it.
How to hide or show the Network icon from the navigation pane in File Explorer
As mentioned above, the Network icon is included in the navigation pane in File Explorer. This makes it easier for users to browse their local network locations. Below is how to hide or unhide it. When File Explorer opens or (press Windows Key + E) right-click anywhere below the Network icon, then select Show Network to hide or unhide from the navigation pane. Alternatively, select File Explorer Options (ellipse or 3-dots) on the menu On the Folder Options window, under the View tab, select or unselect Show Network and click OK to hide or unhide the Network icon from the navigation pane in Windows 11. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to hide or unhide the Network icon from the navigation pane in File Explorer in Windows 11. If you find any error above or have something to share, please use the comment form below.
