How to Back Up Quick Access in Windows

What You’ll Need

• A Windows account that can open Registry Editor. The steps below work with current Windows versions, although labels and menus can vary slightly by version.
• A writable, easy-to-find location for the backup, such as a folder in Documents or an external drive. Avoid leaving the only copy somewhere you may later reset or erase.
• The Windows account whose Quick Access items you want to save. Quick Access settings are associated with the account, so export them while signed in to that account.

Quick Access is the File Explorer area that can show pinned folders and frequently or recently used items. Its configuration is stored in the Windows Registry. Exporting the relevant key creates a small registry file you can keep or import later. It does not copy documents, folders, or their contents, and a restored pin may not work if its original folder has been moved, renamed, or deleted.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a backup folder. Create or select a folder you can access later, such as Documents\Backups, or connect an external drive. Use a clear filename such as QuickAccess-backup.reg. If you keep the file on the same PC, consider making a second copy elsewhere in case the PC is lost or reset.
2. Open Registry Editor. Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter. If Windows asks for permission, confirm that you want to open Registry Editor. The menu path and prompt wording may differ slightly between Windows versions.
3. Go to the Quick Access key. In Registry Editor’s address bar, paste this path and press Enter: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Ribbon. If the address bar is not visible, use the left-hand tree to open each folder in the path. This is under HKEY_CURRENT_USER, so it applies to the account currently signed in.
4. Export the key. Select the Ribbon folder in the left pane. Choose File > Export. In the export window, check that the selected branch is the Ribbon key, not the entire registry. Select your chosen destination, enter a descriptive filename, and save the file with the .reg extension.
5. Check the saved file. Open the destination folder in File Explorer and confirm that the .reg file is present. If Windows hides file extensions, check the file type or enable extensions in File Explorer’s View options. Keep the file intact; do not edit it unless you understand the registry entries it contains.
6. Keep the backup with context. Note which Windows account and PC it came from, and keep the file somewhere you can find it. If you regularly change pinned folders, create a fresh export afterward so the backup reflects the current arrangement.

To restore the export, first make a fresh backup of the current settings using the same steps. Then close File Explorer windows, locate the saved .reg file, and double-click it. Read the confirmation carefully and choose to continue only if you recognize the file and its source. Windows may ask for administrator approval or confirmation that registry information should be added. After a successful import, sign out and back in, or restart Windows, then open File Explorer to check the result. Registry changes can affect Windows behavior, so do not import an unknown .reg file.

Common Mistakes

• Exporting the wrong key: Make sure the selected branch is HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Ribbon. Exporting another key will not preserve the intended Quick Access settings.
• Assuming this backs up folders: The .reg file stores settings and references, not the actual folders or files. Use a separate file backup method for data you need to protect.
• Using a different Windows account: HKEY_CURRENT_USER refers to the account currently signed in. Exporting under another account can save that account’s settings instead.
• Moving a pinned folder: A restored Quick Access entry can point to a location that no longer exists. Keep pinned folders in place or update the pins after moving them.
• Importing without a current backup: Importing registry data may replace or change settings. Export the current state first so you have a way to return to it.
• Saving only to a temporary location: A file in Downloads, a removable drive that gets erased, or a folder scheduled for cleanup may not be there when needed. Verify the destination and keep a second copy for important settings.

Tips

• Use a filename that includes the account or PC name and a brief date, such as QuickAccess-home-pc-2026-11-08.reg. This helps distinguish multiple exports; the date is just a label, not a requirement.
• Save more than one version if you are experimenting with pins. Keeping the previous export lets you choose which arrangement to restore.
• Take a screenshot of the Quick Access list if you want a visual reminder of the order and names. The screenshot is a reference, not a substitute for the registry export.
• If your goal is to reproduce the same setup on another Windows account or PC, expect to check each restored pin. Folder paths and permissions can differ between users and devices.
• For a full Windows recovery plan, use Windows backup tools or another trusted backup method for personal files and system settings. A Quick Access export covers only a small part of your environment.

Troubleshooting

The Ribbon key is missing: Confirm that you are using Registry Editor under the account whose settings you want. Windows versions can store or manage File Explorer features differently. Do not create a new key or copy registry data from an unrelated computer just to make the path appear; check Microsoft Support for version-specific guidance.

The export option is unavailable or the file will not save: Select the key in the left pane, then open File > Export. Choose a folder where your account has permission to write, such as Documents, and check that the drive is connected and has space.

The .reg file will not import: Check that it is a genuine registry export and has not been renamed from a different file type. Make a current export before trying again. If a warning says the file cannot be imported, do not bypass the warning or modify the file blindly.

Quick Access looks unchanged after importing: Close File Explorer and sign out and back in, or restart Windows. Verify that you imported the intended file while signed in to the intended account. Some entries may not appear if their folder path no longer exists or access is restricted.

Quick Access is still not right: Remove the broken pin in File Explorer and pin the correct folder again. For persistent File Explorer problems, use Windows’ built-in support and repair guidance rather than deleting registry keys at random.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this back up the files in Quick Access?

No. It backs up registry settings and references to locations. Back up the actual folders and files separately.

Where is Quick Access stored in the Registry?

The export path used here is HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Ribbon. Because Windows behavior can vary by version, use the steps only for the account and system you intend to back up.

Can I restore the backup on another PC?

You can import a registry export, but the pinned locations may not exist or be accessible on the other PC. Review the result and repin folders whose paths differ.

Will this back up Quick Access for every account?

No. HKEY_CURRENT_USER covers the signed-in Windows account. Sign in to each account and export its settings separately if needed.

How often should I make a new backup?

Export again after making changes you would want to preserve, such as adding or removing important pins. Keep an older copy if you may want to restore the previous arrangement.

Is it safe to open a .reg file?

Only import a file you created or trust, and read Windows’ confirmation before proceeding. Registry files can change system settings; keep a current backup and do not import unknown files.

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Further reading: Microsoft Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.