How to change the default view of File Explorer Windows 11

Windows 11 provides many views in File Explorer so that we can change them to our liking. Users can switch to a mode that displays large icons, a more compact list, or displays detailed information for each file in Windows. Changing the default view on Windows 11 is easy and you can apply this mode to similar folders. Below are instructions for changing the default view of File Explorer Windows 11.

Instructions to change the default view of File Explorer Windows 11

Step 1:

Users press the Windows + E key combination to open File Explorer on the computer. Next, select the folder you want to customize on the left side of the interface.

Step 2:

In the File Explorer window, click the View tab at the top to select the view you want.

Step 3:

This displays an interface with a list of File Explorer views for this folder for you to choose from for the view.

Step 4:

After selecting the new view, click on the 3 dots icon and select Options in the displayed list.

In the Folder Options interface, click on the View tab and select Apply to Folders to apply to all folders on the computer.

A dialog box appears asking you if you want to apply this view to all folders, click OK.

Instructions for customizing the view on Windows 11

After you set up a basic folder view, Windows 11 offers customization tools to change how File Explorer works.

Add or remove columns in a view

Right -click on any column in File Explorer and you will see options as shown to change the information displayed.

Use group options

You can group files by common characteristics, go to Sort > Show > Group by and select your grouping criteria.

Access hidden files and extensions

Click View > Show and then choose to access hidden files or extensions on your computer.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 15 May 2025