The File Explorer in VS Code is a crucial feature that allows you to navigate through your files and directories effortlessly. However, due to reasons like unintended user actions, a glitch in the software, or a misbehaving extension, the File Explorer can sometimes disappear.
The Solution: ‘View: Reset View Locations’
To restore your missing File Explorer, VS Code provides a simple and effective command: ‘View: Reset View Locations’. This command resets the layout of the sidebar and panel, bringing back any missing view, including the File Explorer.
How to Run ‘View: Reset View Locations’
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to execute this command:
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Open the Command Palette: The Command Palette is a feature in VS Code that allows you to access all available commands. You can open it by pressing
Ctrl+Shift+Pon Windows and Linux, orCmd+Shift+Pon macOS. -
Type the Command: In the Command Palette, start typing ‘View: Reset View Locations’. As you type, VS Code will suggest commands that match your input. Once the ‘View: Reset View Locations’ command appears, click on it or press Enter to execute it.
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Check the File Explorer: After running the command, the layout of your VS Code should reset to its default state. This means the File Explorer should now be visible in the sidebar.