How can I remove network from navigation pane in Windows 10?

For those hesitant about manual registry edits, third-party software like Winaero Tweaker simplifies the task:

1. Download and install Winaero Tweaker.
2. Open the application and go to the File Explorer section.
3. Locate the setting labeled “Remove Network from Navigation Pane.”
4. Enable the setting and apply changes.
5. Restart Windows Explorer by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting Task Manager, then “Restart” for Windows Explorer.

From an administrative standpoint, use the Command Prompt:

1. Launch Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Check current settings using: REG QUERY HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C}\ShellFolder
3. Modify to hide Network by running: REG ADD HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C}\ShellFolder /v Attributes /t REG_DWORD /d b0940064 /f
4. Exit Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Powershell can also streamline this process effortlessly:

1. Open Windows PowerShell as Administrator.
2. Execute the following script:
   $key = 'HKCR:\CLSID\{F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C}\ShellFolder'
Set-ItemProperty -Path $key -Name Attributes -Value "b0940064"
3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

To remove the network from the navigation pane in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path:
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C}\ShellFolder
4. Right-click on the ShellFolder key and select Permissions.
5. Click the Advanced button to change the owner.
6. Change the owner to your user account, apply, and give Full control permissions.
7. Find the attribute value called Attributes and modify the hexadecimal value to b0940064.
8. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

An easier way to remove the Network icon without delving too deep into settings is as follows:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click on the Network icon in the navigation pane.
3. Select the option “Unpin from Quick access” or “Hide”.
4. Check if the Network icon is gone from the navigation pane.

If scripting is your thing, create a .reg file to automate the process:

1. Open Notepad and paste the following script:
   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=hex:b0,94,00,64
2. Save the file with a .reg extension, like hide_network.reg.
3. Double-click the saved file to merge it into the registry.
4. Restart your computer.

For those avoiding system tweaks, a simple navigation pane adjustment may help:

1. Go to Quick Access settings within File Explorer.
2. Uncheck the option to show Network in the Quick Access folders.
3. This reduces its prominence but may not fully remove it.

Utilize a UI tool for advanced options:

1. Download “System Explorer” for deeper tweaks.
2. Open the tool and access navigation pane options.
3. Use settings to hide Network from File Explorer.
4. Save changes and restart your PC.

You can clean up your Windows 10 File Explorer by removing the Network section through Group Policy Editor. Here’s what you should do:

1. Press Windows + R to bring up the Run box.
2. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Explorer.
4. Find the “Hide these specified drives in My Computer” policy, double-click it, and choose the Enabled option.
5. Apply the changes and restart your computer.