Why Disable Quick Access Suggested Files?
When you open Google Drive on the web, the top row is dedicated to “Suggested” files (formerly known as Quick Access). Google uses machine learning to predict which files you are most likely to need based on your activity, time of day, and upcoming calendar events.
While this can be convenient, it takes up valuable screen real estate and can pose a privacy risk if you are sharing your screen during a presentation or meeting. If you prefer to jump straight into your folders, you can easily disable this feature.
How to Hide Suggested Files on the Google Drive Homepage
Disabling the Quick Access row only takes a few clicks in the settings menu.
- Open your web browser and navigate to drive.google.com.
- Log into your Google account if you are not already signed in.
- Click the Settings gear icon located in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- In the Settings pop-up window, ensure the General tab is selected on the left sidebar.
- Scroll down to the section labelled Suggestions.
- Uncheck the box next to Make relevant files handy when you need them in Quick Access (or “Show suggested files in My Drive”).
- Click the Done button (or the back arrow) in the top-left of the Settings window to save your changes.
Your Google Drive homepage will instantly refresh. The top row of suggested files will disappear, and you will immediately see your folders and standard file list, giving you a cleaner, more organized view.