Below are the most reliable methods to fix this issue:
1. Enable and Configure the Navigation Pane
The navigation pane can be disabled unintentionally due to a miss-click or system update. File Explorer also includes settings that control how the pane displays folders, drives, and libraries. Re-enabling it and adjusting related options restores its normal functionality.
2. Restart the File Explorer Process
If the navigation pane is enabled but still missing, File Explorer may be stuck due to a temporary glitch. Restarting the process reloads its user interface, often resolving such display issues.
3. Repair Corrupted System Files Using SFC
If the navigation pane still doesn’t appear, the issue could be caused by damaged Windows system files. The System File Checker (SFC) scans for and restores these files, resolving problems that affect File Explorer.
4. Use System Restore or Reset
If none of the above solutions work, deeper system issues may be preventing File Explorer from functioning properly. Use System Restore to roll Windows back to a point when the navigation pane worked correctly. If that isn’t possible, a system reset can replace corrupted files and restore File Explorer’s functionality without affecting your personal files
