How to Reset File Explorer View in Windows 11

This post shows students and new users steps to reset File Explorer’s folder view using Windows 11.

With Windows, one can customize File Explorer folder views by adding or removing the preview/details pane, displaying icons vs. list, grouping, sorting, and more.

If you have customized File Explorer folder views and want to reset all your changes, the steps below will show you how.

Windows File Explorer includes five folder templates that one can use to customize the view of folders. These templates are general items, Documents, Pictures, Music, and videos. Each one of these templates provides a unique layout, sorting, and grouping of items depending on the folder’s content type.

Remember that if you reset a particular folder template, only that template is reset, and the others are untouched. So, for example, when you reset the Documents folder views, only the Document template is reset, and the other templates are left alone.

To reset the File Explorer folder views, follow the steps below.

How to reset the File Explorer folder’s view on Windows 11

As mentioned, if you have changed File Explorer folder views and want to reset everything back to the default, use the steps below.

First, go and open File Explorer on Windows 11. Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + Eon on the keyboard to open File Explorer.

Once opened, click on the ellipse (three dots on the toolbar) and select Options.

On the View tab, under Folder views, click the Reset Folders button to reset File Explorers’ folder views.

When you click the reset button, you’ll get a confirmation window to confirm the changes; click Yes.

After that, File Explore folder views should be reset to the default.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Resetting File Explorer’s folder views can help restore organization and ease of use.
• The process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps.
• Remember that only the selected folder template will be reset, leaving others unchanged.
• Customization is still an option after resetting, allowing for personal adjustments based on your needs.
• Regularly resetting can help maintain a tidy digital workspace on Windows 11.