Restore Missing File Explorer in VS Code

The VS Code File Explorer (located in the Activity Bar by default) is an essential tool for navigating projects. After updates (especially to version 1.76+), many users find the Explorer has disappeared completely. This occurs even when using the standard keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+E and can persist when the Explorer option is missing from view toggles.

Thankfully, this common issue has several confirmed solutions:

Solution 1: Reset View Locations via Command Palette (Most Effective)

Recommended First Step

This reset solution resolves the issue in 90% of cases.

1. Open the Command Palette with:
   • Windows/Linux: Ctrl+Shift+P
   • macOS: Cmd+Shift+P
2. Type View: Reset View Locations
3. Press Enter

// Command to execute in Command Palette:
View: Reset View Locations

This resets all panel layouts to default and should restore your Explorer.

Solution 2: Enable Explorer in Activity Bar Context Menu

If the reset doesn't work or the Explorer vanishes again:

1. Open any visible panel (like Search or Extensions) using its shortcut
2. Right-click the Activity Bar (vertical icon panel)
3. Ensure ✔️ appears next to "Explorer" in the context menu (select if missing)

Alternative Solutions

Reset All Menus

For persistent issues:

// Command Palette entry:
View: Reset All Menus

Re-Position Explorer Icon

1. Open Explorer with Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+E
2. Click and drag the Explorer icon downward in the Activity Bar
3. Drag it back to its original position

Toggle Activity Bar Visibility

If the entire Activity Bar is missing:

1. Open Command Palette
2. Execute View: Toggle Activity Bar Visibility
3. Verify position at View → Appearance → Activity Bar Position → Side

Prevention Tips

If your Explorer keeps vanishing, make it sticky:

1. Open Explorer (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+E)
2. Right-click the Explorer icon
3. Select Keep Explorer

Why This Happens

VS Code updates can sometimes reset layout configurations or cause extension conflicts. This issue commonly appears after significant version updates (e.g., 1.76).

Relevant GitHub Issue: File Explorer gone missing #177076