Windows 7 - Library Pane - Turn On or Off

**Brink**

How to Turn the Library Pane On or Off in Windows 7

Information

The library pane appears only when you have a a library (such as the Documents library) open. You can use the library pane to customize the library or to arrange the files by different properties. The library pane is turned on by default in Windows 7 libraries.

This will show you how to turn the Library pane on or off in all Windows Explorer library windows in Windows 7.

EXAMPLE: Windows Explorer Layout
NOTE: The library pane is the top middle pane, below the toolbar and above the main file display area, in Windows Explorer library folder windows.

OPTION ONE

Through Windows Explorer

1. Open Windows Explorer (explorer.exe).

2. On the toolbar, click on Organize and Layout. (see screenshots below)

3. To Turn On the Library Pane in Windows Explorer
A) Select (click) Library pane to have it checked. (see screenshots above)

4. To Turn Off the Library Pane in Windows Explorer
A) Select (click) Library pane to have it unchecked with the icon now showing. (see screenshots above)

5. All Windows Explorer library windows will now open as you set this.

OPTION TWO

Using a REG File Download

1. To Turn On the Library Pane in Windows Explorer
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Turn_Library_Pane_On.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Turn Off the Library Pane in Windows Explorer
A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.
Turn_Library_Pane_Off.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Close and reopen the library window to apply.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

**kookster** · 02-24-2010

Hey is there a way through the registry to do this. Reason I ask is because if you remove the explorer toolbar, then there is no way to adjust this feature along with all the other panes, without bring the bar back, and thats not too easy. Or even better put the organize button into the file menu, not sure if this is possible.

**Brink** · 02-24-2010

Hello Kookster,

I'm sure that there is. I'll do some digging tonight to see what I can find for you, and post back when I do.

**Brink** · 02-24-2010

Ok Kookster. OPTION TWO is now available to do this from the registry.

**kookster** · 02-25-2010

Thanks for putting up with me Brink

**Brink** · 02-25-2010

It's not problem at all Kookster. This helps to make the tutorial better and easier for everyone else that would like the same.

**kookster** · 02-28-2010

Just noticed something, that this does not turn off the library pane to open and save menu's in windows 7 64 bit, haven't checked 32 bit. Sound familiar? I'm trying to find where it is stored for it in the registry but I'm not having much luck, you think you could check into it too brink?

**Brink** · 02-28-2010

Hello Kookster,

I'll see what I can do, and post back if I find anything.

**Brink** · 02-28-2010

Ok Kookster. The solution is that you will just need to repeat OPTION ONE in the "Save As" or "Open" small windows for them.

**kookster** · 03-01-2010

I was really hoping you wouldn't say that. Its annoying re enabling the explorer tool bar. Hmmm come to think of it I should probably write instructions on how to revert it in my tutorial for people.

Would of been nice to have a reg edit for it but what ever. Thanks anyway Brink/Shawn/What ever you want to go by.

Windows 7 - Library Pane - Turn On or Off

Library Pane - Turn On or Off

Library Pane - Turn On or Off problems?