How to Change File Explorer Layout in Windows 11

This article explains how to change the File Explore folder layout view in Windows 11.

File Explorer, alternatively referred to as Windows Explorer or Explorer, is a file and folder browser found in every version of Windows. It is used to browse your PC hard drives (internal or external), folders, and files.

File Explorer supports multiple views. Users can easily change the layouts and folder view using mouse or keyboard shortcuts. You can select folder layout views such as extra large icons, large icons, medium icons, small icons, lists, details, tiles, or content.

Each folder will remember the last layout view set after it is closed.

Change the File Explorer folder layout view

As mentioned above, File Explorer has multiple layout views one can use to display content.

Here are some ways to change the File Explorer folder layout views, including scroll wheels, keyboard shortcuts, and the Command bar.

Use scroll wheel

To use your mouse scroll wheel, first, open File Explorer.

Then press and hold the CTRL key while rolling the scroll wheel up or down to cycle through the layout views, and release the CTRL key when done.

Keyboard shortcuts

Another way to change or switch between different File Explorer folder layout views is by using keyboard shortcuts.

To do that, first, open File Explorer.

Then use the keyboard shortcuts below to change the layout view.

• Extra large icons
  • CTRL + SHIFT + 1
• Large icons
  • CTRL + SHIFT + 2
• Medium icons
  • CTRL + SHIFT + 3
• Small icons
  • CTRL + SHIFT + 4
• List
  • CTRL + SHIFT + 5
• Details
  • CTRL + SHIFT + 6
• Tiles
  • CTRL + SHIFT + 7
• Content
  • CTRL + SHIFT + 8

Using the Command bar

Finally, users can use the command bar to change the folder layout view.

To use the command bar, first open File Explorer.

Then click on View on the command bar. Next, select these different layout views: Extra large icons, Large icons, Medium icons, Small icons, List, Details, Tiles, or Content you want to display.

Additionally, users can right-click on a blank area in File Explorer and select View on the context menu. Then choose a folder layout view from the list they want to display.

Other ways to display or change the File Explorer folder layout view might exist that are not listed above. However, these steps should get you started.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Changing the folder layout view in File Explorer on Windows 11 is a simple yet essential customization for a better user experience.
• Users can switch between different layout views using the scroll wheel, keyboard shortcuts, the command bar, or the context menu.
• This flexibility allows users to tailor the content display in File Explorer based on their preferences and workflow.
• Exploring alternative methods beyond those mentioned in this article may provide further ways to personalize the folder layout view in File Explorer.
• Feel free to share feedback or additional insights regarding changing the File Explorer folder layout view in the comments section below.