How to Remove "Network" from Windows File Explorer

If you want to remove the "Network" section from Windows File Explorer to streamline its appearance or limit access to network resources, here are a few simple steps to do it. This method works for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users and involves using the Registry Editor, so proceed with caution.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to launch the Registry Editor.
  3. If prompted by User Account Control, confirm by clicking Yes.

Step 2: Navigate to the Required Registry Path

In the Registry Editor, go to the following path:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C}

Step 3: Modify Registry Permissions

  1. On the left side of the Registry Editor, locate the key {F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C}, which controls the visibility of the "Network" section in File Explorer.
  2. Right-click this key and select Permissions....
  3. In the Permissions window, click on Advanced and change the owner to Administrators.
  4. Close all open windows, right-click the key {F02C1A0D-BE21-4350-88B0-7367FC96EF3C}, and delete it.

Step 4: Restart File Explorer

To apply the changes, you need to restart File Explorer:

  1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Locate File Explorer in the processes list, select it, and click Restart.

Alternative Method: Using Group Policy (Windows Pro Only)

For Windows 10 and 11 Pro users, you can also use the Group Policy Editor to hide "Network" in File Explorer:

  1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Start menu.
  2. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
  3. Locate the policy Hide Network Locations and set it to Enabled.

After completing these steps, the "Network" section will no longer appear in File Explorer. These changes are reversible, and you can restore access to network resources by following the steps again and undoing the modifications.