Do you not use the sync function and want to place order on your PC? Follow this guide to unlock andremove Creative Cloud Files folderfrom the sidebar of File Explorer in Windows 11 in a simple and definitive way.
When installing a new graphic program, such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or Adobe XD, the Creative Cloud Files folder is automatically added to the side menu of the file manager. This folder, located within the main directory (C drive), is used by the system to store andsync files with Adobe cloud.
If you prefer to save your projects locally or on external drives and do not use the services ofAdobe Sync, you can simply delete this link. This will allow you to free valuable space in the Windows 11 sidebar, optimizing navigation between disks and daily work directories.
We then see the exact procedure to hide the Adobe Creative Cloud folder from the Windows 11 user interface.
How to Remove Creative Cloud Files from Registry
Since Adobe does not integrate a direct option in classical settings, you need to intervene throughRegistry Editorwindows. By following the next steps carefully, you will complete the operation in total safety.
Important note: Before you start, we highly recommend youback up the registryas suggested by official Microsoft guidelines. This step guarantees the ability to restore your PC in case of accidental changes.
1.To start, open the application by typing “Registry Editor” directly in the Start menu of Windows 11. Alternatively, you can press the keyboard combinationWindows + R, type the command “regedit” in the Run window and send.
2.In the left panel of the new window, click on “Computer” to select the entire registry hierarchy. Done that, press the keysC + Fto launch the Find tool (you can also browse from the top menu by clicking on “Edit → Find”).
3.In the empty search field, enter the exact stringCreative Cloud Filesand click the “Find Next” button to start scanning system.
4.The search will identify the associated key, bringing you directly into a subfolder within the primary directory calledHKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
5.Move to the right panel. Scroll the elements until you locate the called stringSystem.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTreeand double-click it.
6.A value change window will open. Delete the existing number, type “0” (zero) within the fieldValueand press “OK” to save and apply the changes.
7.At this point, properly close the Registry Editor and make sure you also close the active Windows of File Explorer.
8.Starting File again, you will notice that the link to Creative Cloud Files was removed from the Windows 11 navigation sidebar.
If the folder is still visible, Windows may not immediately update the graphics cache. A simple onerestart of the operating systemwill be sufficient to apply the final setting.
Your data takes no risk: the physical directory remains totally unaltered. You can access it manually by navigating inC:\Utenti\[Il tuo nome utente]\Creative Cloud Files. As a purely visual intervention on the interface, synchronization background services will not be interrupted.
In case you decide torestore the original link, you will only have to rerun the above procedure, stop at step 6 and change the value by reinserting the number “1“.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Creative Cloud Files
Removing the link from File Explorer deletes my Adobe projects?
Absolutely not. This intervention only works on the aesthetic aspect of the Windows 11 sidebar. All files created with Photoshop, Illustrator or other Adobe programs will continue to be securely stored on your hard drive and within cloud space.
Is editing the Windows 11 registry a safe operation?
Changes in the registry are safe as long as you only have to intervene on the parameters indicated in the instructions. Changing only the specific value “System. IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree”, the stability and performance of your computer will remain unchanged. However, we recommend that you make a preventive security backup of the registry before making alterations.
Will the synchronization of Adobe Sync in the background stop working?
No, deleting the visual icon from the file manager does not interfere with the functionality of the Adobe ecosystem. Creative Cloud management software will continue working in the background to synchronize and update relevant documents on servers, completely independent of the visibility of the link in the sidebar.
