In Windows 7 and earlier versions, My Computer (Windows Explorer) and Control Panel shortcuts would appear on the right pane of the Start menu. In Windows 10, File Explorer and Settings icons are located in the left pane of the Start menu (extreme left in Anniversary Update and later versions).
The File Explorer shortcut located on the left side of the Start menu comes in handy for users who prefer to launch File Explorer or Quick Access using a mouse instead of the Windows + E keyboard shortcut. You can also view pinned and frequent folders by right-clicking on File Explorer’s icon in the left pane of the Start menu.
Although it’s a nice idea to pin File Explorer to the taskbar for easy access, many users use the Start menu shortcut of File Explorer to launch the same.
At times, for no reason, the File Explorer shortcut might go missing from the left side of the Start menu. If the File Explorer icon is not appearing on the left side of the Start menu in Windows 10, follow the given below directions to restore the File Explorer icon to the Windows 10 Start menu.
Add File Explorer icon to Start menu in Windows 10
Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start.
Step 2: Scroll down and click the Choose which folders appear on the Start link.
Step 3: Turn on the option labeled File Explorer to see the File Explorer icon on the left side of the Start menu. The File Explorer icon should immediately appear in the Start menu.
If the File Explorer icon is not appearing even after turning it on under Settings, please restart the Windows Explorer process once or sign out and sign in again. And if you’re having any issues with the Start menu, run the Start menu repair tool from Microsoft.
Don’t forget to check out our fix to Settings icon missing from Windows 10 Start menu guide.
