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Enable Compact View in Windows 11 File Explorer

Richard

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The post instructs Windows 11 users on enabling or disabling the File Explorer’s compact view. The compact view, introduced in Windows 10, removes extra padding between items, allowing more content to fit in the view pane, beneficial for users with many files or non-touchscreen devices. The guide details how users can toggle this feature to…

This article describes how to enable or disable the compact view in File Explorer on Windows 11.

File Explorer now features a default layout with increased padding between items, enhancing usability on touchscreen devices.

The additional padding creates more space between list items, which can increase scrolling, especially when there are many folders and files. This may prevent everything from fitting in a single view pane, requiring a long scroll to the bottom.

If you’re not using a touchscreen device and have multiple folders displayed in a view pane, you can switch back to the classic layout and enable compact mode. Compact mode allows you to fit more items into a single view pane by reducing the extra padding and spacing between items in File Explorer.

How to turn on File Explorer compact view in Windows 11

As mentioned, File Explorer compact mode allows more items to fit in a small area compared to the default layout.

Here is a screenshot of File Explorer’s default layout

To enable compact mode, click the ellipse (three dots in the toolbar menu), then select Options.

Under Advanced settings, select “Decrease space between items (compact view)” on the View tab.

Once enabled, the result should be instant. Now File Explorer should reverse to the classic layout without the extra padding.

How to disable File Explorer compact view in Windows 11

If you change your mind about using the classic layout in File Explorer, you can reverse the changes and go back to its default layout in Windows 11.

To do that, reverse the steps above by clicking the ellipse (three dots) and selecting Options. Then, uncheck the box for On the View tab, under Advanced settings, select ‘Decrease space between items (compact view).”

That’s it!

Conclusion:

  • Enabling compact view in File Explorer allows for better organization and visibility of files and folders, especially for users with many items.
  • The process to toggle between layouts is straightforward and can be reversed at any time.
  • Compact mode enhances productivity by reducing unnecessary scrolling.
  • Familiarity with these settings helps users customize their File Explorer experience to better suit their needs.
  • The compact view option, though initially introduced in Windows 10, continues to be a valuable feature in Windows 11.
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Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights 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. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

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