Setting the default view in File Explorer on Windows 11 isn’t exactly rocket science, but it can be a bit fiddly if you don’t know where to look. Maybe you want your folders to always open in details view, or maybe tiles — whatever makes your workflow easier. Strange but true, Windows doesn’t automatically remember your preferred view for all folders unless you set it explicitly.
How to Set the Default View in File Explorer on Windows 11
Here’s what’s worked for me, at least on some setups. Basically, you change the view for one folder, then tell Windows to apply that across all similar folders. Looks simple? Not always. Sometimes, you need a couple of goes or a restart for it to stick. But let’s get into it.
Step 1: Open File Explorer
Pretty obvious, but click the folder icon on the taskbar (or press Windows + E), and File Explorer will pop up. This is where the magic starts. Make sure you’re in the folder you want as your template.
Step 2: Choose your preferred view
At the top, click on the View tab. You’ll see options like Details, Tiles, List, or Content. Pick one that suits ya. Some views work better depending on your screen size and what you’re organising — details for deep info, tiles for quick visuals.
On one machine, it might work perfectly, but on another, you might need to tweak it or restart File Explorer for the changes to stick.
Step 3: Open Folder Options
Click the three dots (the ellipsis) in the toolbar, then select Options. Yeah, it’s a bit tucked away, but that’s where you set more permanent preferences.
Step 4: Apply the view to all folders
In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab. Click on Apply to Folders. That’s the key move — it copies your current view settings across all folders of that type.
Sometimes, it only works for folders with similar content, but you can try doing it for different folder types if needed. And if the changes don’t take straight away, restart File Explorer or reboot the PC. Windows loves to make things a bit trickier, eh?
Step 5: Save your settings
Click OK to close the options window, then again to confirm. Your chosen view should now be the default across folders. Every time you open Explorer, that view should load up automatically.
If it’s not happening right away, double-check the folder type or restart File Explorer (Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then find Windows Explorer and click Restart). Sometimes, Windows just needs a little nudge.
Tips for Setting Your Default View in File Explorer on Windows 11
- Try out different view options until one feels right — details are usually a safe bet.
- Consider customizing the Sort by and Group by settings for better sorting.
- Remember, Apply to Folders only works within the same folder type—like Music, Documents, etc.
- If you’re always opening certain folders, pin them to Quick Access for faster access.
- Want quicker access? Add common actions to the ribbon or create your own shortcuts.
FAQs
Why can’t I apply my view settings to all folders?
Because Windows treats different folder types separately. If you set the view in a Documents folder, it might not change the view for Pictures or Music folders. To sort that, go into each folder type and repeat the steps — or set individual views for specific folders.
Can I customise views for individual folders?
Yep, you can set a specific view for each folder. But for consistency, it’s better to set a default and then tweak individual folders if needed.
Will these changes affect other user accounts?
Nah. File Explorer settings are per user profile, so each person needs to set their own defaults.
How do I reset File Explorer to its default settings?
Go into Folder Options, under the “View” tab, and click Restore Defaults. That’ll reset all view settings back to the original.
Is it possible to set the default view for all folder types at once?
Not really, unfortunately. You’ve got to do it for each folder type or use third-party tools for more advanced control. Windows keeps things a bit modular that way.
Summary
- Open File Explorer and head to a folder you want as a template.
- Select the view you prefer.
- Go to Folder Options, then click Apply to Folders.
- Hit OK, restart Explorer if needed.
- And that’s it — your folders should now open just how you like from now on.
Hopefully this saves some bother. Just remember, Windows isn’t always straightforward — you might need a couple of goes before it actually “sticks,” but that’s pretty normal. Good luck, mate!