How to Change Default View in File Explorer (Windows 11)

Quick Tips

• You can change the default folder view in File Explorer in a few clicks.
• Windows 11 lets you apply your preferred layout to all folders of the same type.
• Common views include List, Details, Icons, and Tiles.
• Mistakes can be fixed by resetting folder views to default.

Tired of seeing the same folder layout every time you open File Explorer in Windows 11? Whether you prefer seeing large icons, a compact list, or detailed information, changing the default view is easy and you can make it stick across similar folders. Here’s a simple guide to set your favorite view and apply it permanently.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Default View in File Explorer (Windows 11)

Step 1. Open File Explorer. Press Windows + E or click the File Explorer icon from your taskbar.

Step 2. Choose the folder you wish to customize, such as Downloads, Pictures, or a custom folder.

Step 3. In the File Explorer window, click the “View” tab on the top menu (or right-click inside the folder) to select your preferred view.

Then choose from options like:

• Extra-large icons
• Large icons
• Medium-sized icons
• Small icons
• List
• Details
• Tiles
• Content

Most people prefer “Details” for folders with many files, and “Large icons” for image folders.

Step 4. After choosing your view, click the three-dot menu in the toolbar and select Options.

Step 5. In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.

Step 6. Click Apply to Folders. When prompted, confirm by clicking Yes.

This will apply the current view settings to all folders of that type (e.g., all photo folders if you’re in the Pictures folder).

How to Customize View Settings Further

Once you’ve set your basic folder views, Windows 11 offers several deeper customization tools to fine-tune how File Explorer behaves. These settings can help you create a more efficient and personalized workspace.

Option 1. Add or Remove Columns in Details View

If you’re using the Details view, you can adjust which information is shown.

Step 1. Right-click on any column header.

Step 2. Select or deselect fields such as Type, Size, Date created, Tags, Authors (for documents)

Step 3. Drag column headers left or right to rearrange their order.

Step 4. Resize columns by dragging the edge.

This is great for users who want to sort files based on metadata or workflow needs.

Option 2. Use Grouping Options

You can group files by common traits:

Step 1. Go to Sort > Show > Group by.

Step 2. Select:

• Name
• Date modified
• Type
• Size
• None (to turn grouping off)

This is useful for keeping related files together.

Option 3. Access Hidden Files and Extensions

Step 1. Click View > Show, then enable:

• File name extensions – shows .docx, .jpg, .exe, etc.
• Hidden items – reveals system and hidden files.

This is ideal for advanced users, developers, or troubleshooting purposes.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Changing One Folder and Expecting All Others to Match

Fix:
Be sure to click ‘Apply to Folders’ in Folder Options. Otherwise, your view change only applies to the current folder.

Mistake 2: Using a Folder Template That Doesn’t Match

Fix:
Right-click the folder > Properties > Customize tab > under “Optimize this folder for,” choose the right template (e.g., General items, Pictures, Music) and check “Also apply this template to all subfolders.”

Set Different Default Views for Different Folder Types

Windows 11 categorizes folders into types like General items, Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos. You can set a unique default view for each type.

Here’s how to do it:

Step 1. Navigate to a folder that belongs to a specific category (e.g., open your Pictures folder).

Step 2. Choose your preferred view using the View menu.

Step 3. Click the three-dot menu > Options.

Step 4. In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.

Step 5. Click Apply to Folders and confirm.

Repeat the steps above for other folder types. This method allows each folder type to display in the most practical and visually helpful way.

How to Reset Folder View to Default

If you’ve made changes you want to undo or simply prefer the default view, here’s how to reset your folder view to the default settings.

Step 1. Open File Explorer and go to Options (via three-dot menu > Options).

Step 2. Click the View tab.

Step 3. Click Reset Folders.

Step 4. Confirm when prompted.