3D Objects Folder: Where It Is & What It Does

The 3D Objects folder is a special system folder in Windows 10 and Windows 11, located at C:\Users\[YourUsername]\3D Objects. It is designed to store 3D model files (like .fbx, .obj, .stl) and appears in File Explorer’s Quick Access sidebar by default. While it was introduced as part of Microsoft’s push toward 3D creation tools like Paint 3D, many users never use it and wonder if they can remove or hide it.

Why Does the 3D Objects Folder Exist?

Microsoft created the 3D Objects folder with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (released October 2017). It was meant to be the default save location for 3D modeling apps, similar to how the Pictures folder stores images and the Documents folder stores text files. The folder was heavily promoted alongside Paint 3D, a simplified 3D modeling application, and the now-discontinued 3D Viewer app. Microsoft’s goal was to make 3D creation accessible to everyday users, not just professionals. However, the folder often feels like an afterthought because few third-party applications actually use it as their default save location, and most users never open it.

Where Is the 3D Objects Folder Located?

By default, the folder is located at:

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\3D Objects

You can also find it by opening File Explorer and looking at the left sidebar under “Quick Access” or “This PC.” In Windows 11, it may appear under “Home” or “This PC” depending on your settings. If you don’t see it, it might be hidden because you never used it or because a system update changed your view. To navigate directly, press Win + R, type shell:3D Objects, and press Enter. This works in both Windows 10 and 11.

How to Remove or Hide the 3D Objects Folder

Many users find the folder unnecessary and want to remove it from the sidebar. There are two common approaches: hiding it from File Explorer or deleting it entirely.

Hide from File Explorer Sidebar

Open File Explorer.
Right-click on “3D Objects” in the left sidebar.
Select “Unpin from Quick Access” (Windows 10) or “Remove from Quick access” (Windows 11).

This removes it from the sidebar but keeps the folder on your disk. If you want to hide it from “This PC” entirely, you’ll need to edit the Windows Registry, which is more advanced. A safer alternative is to use a third-party tool like Winaero Tweaker, but editing the registry manually is possible:

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace.
Find the key named {0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A} (this is the 3D Objects folder’s CLSID).
Delete that key (or export it first as a backup).
Restart File Explorer (right-click taskbar > Task Manager > Restart).

This hides the folder from “This PC” but does not delete any files. Be careful with registry edits—always back up before changing anything.

Delete the Folder Completely

You can delete the folder like any other. Right-click it and select “Delete.” However, Windows may recreate it if an application requests it. To prevent recreation, you would need to modify the registry as above. If you delete it, any 3D files you had inside will be moved to the Recycle Bin, so back up important files first.

Can I Move the 3D Objects Folder?

Yes, you can move it to another drive or location, similar to moving other user folders. Right-click the folder, select “Properties,” go to the “Location” tab, and enter a new path. This is useful if you want to keep your user profile lean or store large 3D files on a secondary drive. After moving, Windows will update the default location for apps that use it. Note that some older applications may still look for the original path, but most modern 3D software lets you choose save locations manually.

Common Problems and Fixes

3D Objects Folder Missing

If the folder is missing entirely, you can recreate it by creating a new folder named “3D Objects” in your user directory. If it doesn’t appear in the sidebar, you can add it back by going to File Explorer > View > Options > View > “Restore Defaults.” In Windows 11, you may need to check “Show all folders” in the navigation pane settings.

Cannot Delete or Rename

Sometimes the folder is locked because an application is using it. Close any 3D modeling software or file explorer windows, then try again. If it still fails, restart your PC and try again.

Folder Reappears After Deletion

As mentioned, Windows may recreate the folder if a system component or app requests it. The registry edit above is the most reliable way to prevent this.

Alternatives to the 3D Objects Folder

If you regularly work with 3D files, you might prefer to use a dedicated folder structure. Many users create a “3D Models” folder on their desktop or in Documents. Some 3D software, like Blender, defaults to its own directory, so you can change the default save path in its preferences. For 3D printing, users often keep .stl files in a separate folder per project. The 3D Objects folder is not mandatory—it’s just a convenience that most apps ignore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 3D Objects folder safe to delete?

Yes, it is safe to delete as long as you don’t have important 3D files inside. Windows will not break if the folder is removed, though some apps might recreate it.

Why is my 3D Objects folder empty?

Because it’s just a default storage location. If you never save 3D files there, it will remain empty. That’s normal.

Can I use the 3D Objects folder for other files?

Yes, you can store any files there, but it’s not recommended because it may confuse apps that expect 3D models. Better to use a different folder for non-3D files.

Does Windows 11 have a 3D Objects folder?

Yes, Windows 11 still includes it, but it’s less prominent. It may not appear in the sidebar by default on some installations.

How do I open the 3D Objects folder from the Run dialog?

Press Win + R, type shell:3D Objects, and press Enter. This works in both Windows 10 and 11.

Can I change the default save location for 3D apps to this folder?

Yes, most 3D applications allow you to change the default save directory in their settings. You can point them to the 3D Objects folder if you prefer.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →