How to Change File Explorer Layout in Windows 11
Changing File Explorer’s layout in Windows 11 lets you control how your files and folders look on your screen.
File Explorer’s layout refers to the visual arrangement of your files and folders, determining if you see large icons, a simple list, or compact previews.
Windows 11 gives you several ways to see your files, like “Details” view which shows extra info such as file size and when it was last changed. You can also choose “Icons” or “List” views. Windows 11 even remembers your layout choice for each folder, so your settings stay put when you revisit them.
To change File Explorer layout, click the View menu, select Options, then Folder Options, and finally Apply to Folders. This sets your current view as the default for similar folders. You can also reset views via Folder Options or by editing registry keys.
Comparison of File Explorer Layouts
| Layout Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Extra Large/Large Icons | Photos and Videos |
| Medium Icons | General file browsing |
| List | Quick scanning of many files |
| Details | Sorting by date, size, or type |
| Tiles | Seeing file info with larger icons |
| Content | Detailed file metadata view |
Using the View Menu and Apply to Folders
You can change the File Explorer layout by picking how you want your files to look, like using Details or Icons. Then, you can easily apply that same view to all your folders so they all match.
- Open File Explorer and set your preferred view (e.g., Details).
- Click the View menu in the top command bar.
- Select Options at the bottom of the menu.
- In the Folder Options window, click the View tab.
- Click Apply to Folders.
Troubleshooting: Why Windows Resets Folder Views
Windows sometimes forgets your settings because the `BagMRU` registry keys, which store your view preferences, have reached their limit. To fix this, you may need to reset your folder views.
How to Reset Folder Views
- Open Folder Options via the View menu.
- Go to the View tab.
- Click Reset Folders.
Advanced Customization via Registry Editor
If your File Explorer layout changes aren’t saving correctly, you can reset them using the Registry Editor. This tool lets you fix deeper settings. You’ll need to open the Registry Editor, also known as `regedit`, and go to a specific location to delete files that store your layout choices.
First, press ⊞ Win+R, type `regedit`, and hit Enter. Then, navigate to: `🗝️HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU`
Deleting the `BagMRU` and `Bags` registry keys will reset all custom folder views in File Explorer to their default settings. This action removes personalized layouts saved for each folder, returning them to the standard Windows 11 appearance. Performing this reset ensures a clean slate for folder view configurations.
Summary
Changing your File Explorer layout helps you manage files better, and you can do this using the View menu, keyboard shortcuts, or the ‘Apply to Folders’ feature.
Why does 🪟 Windows 11 keep resetting my folder view?
Windows 11 might keep resetting your folder view because the temporary storage for your preferences, called `BagMRU`, has become corrupted or too full.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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