How to Change File Explorer Layout in Windows 11
Changing the File Explorer layout in Windows 11 lets you adjust how files and folders appear on your screen, switching between options like large icons, a simple list, or detailed columns. File Explorer is the built-in file manager you use to browse, open, and manage documents on your PC.
You can pick from several view styles, including Details view for file sizes and dates, or compact List view to see more items at once. Windows 11 saves your layout choice for each folder automatically so you do not have to set it up again next time you open it.
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 quickly change File Explorer layout preferences and apply that exact view to every folder on your computer so they all match. Open File Explorer, choose your preferred layout from the top menu, and use the Folder Options settings window to copy that view across all your drives.
- 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. Reset your folder views to fix this.
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
You can change File Explorer layout settings that refuse to save properly by clearing out stuck view preferences in Registry Editor (a database for low-level Windows settings ). This advanced fix lets you delete corrupted layout keys so Windows rebuilds them from scratch.
First, press Win + R, type `regedit`, and hit Enter. Navigate to: `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU`
Deleting the `BagMRU` and `Bags` registry keys resets 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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