When you open File Explorer in Windows 11, it usually shows files and folders in a default view—often “Details” or “Tiles.” But what if you always prefer “List,” “Large icons,” or “Content” view? Manually changing it every single time can get annoying, right?
The good news is, you can easily set your preferred view as the default in File Explorer. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps, explain different view options, and share a few useful tips so you never waste time changing views again.
Why Change the Default View in File Explorer?
Before we jump into the steps, let’s quickly understand why setting a default view is helpful:
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Consistency: Always open File Explorer in the view you like.
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Productivity: No need to adjust settings each time.
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Better organization: Choose a view that matches your workflow (e.g., “Details” for documents, “Large icons” for photos).
Step 1: Open File Explorer
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Press Windows + E on your keyboard, or
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Click the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
This will bring up File Explorer in its default mode.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred View
Once File Explorer is open:
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Go to the View menu at the top toolbar.
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Select your preferred view from options like:
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Extra large icons
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Large icons
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Medium icons
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Small icons
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List
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Details
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Tiles
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Content
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➡️ For example, if you often work with documents, “Details” gives you columns like Name, Date, Type, and Size. If you’re browsing images, “Large icons” is much better.
Step 3: Apply View to All Folders
Now that you’ve set the view for the current folder, let’s make it the default across all folders.
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In File Explorer, click the three-dot menu (···) at the top.
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Select Options from the dropdown.
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In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.
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Under Folder views, click Apply to Folders.
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Confirm when prompted.
✅ Done! From now on, all similar folders will open with your chosen view.
Step 4: Customize Folder Types (Optional)
Windows 11 categorizes folders into types like Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, and General items. Each can have its own default view.
How to Customize Per Folder Type
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Right-click a folder (e.g., Pictures).
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Select Properties.
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Go to the Customize tab.
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Under Optimize this folder for, choose:
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General items
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Documents
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Pictures
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Music
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Videos
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Apply and set the view as explained earlier.
This way, your Pictures folder can always open in Large icons, while Documents open in Details view.
Resetting to Default View
If you mess up your folder settings and want to reset:
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Open File Explorer Options (via the three-dot menu > Options).
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Go to the View tab.
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Click Reset Folders.
This restores everything back to Windows 11’s default layout.
Tips for Better File Explorer Organization
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Sort files automatically: Use the Sort by option (e.g., Date modified, Size, Type).
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Group files: Right-click > Group by > choose an attribute like Name, Date, or Size.
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Show/hide extensions: In View > Show, enable File name extensions for clarity.
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Use Quick Access: Pin frequently used folders for instant access.
Common Problems and Fixes
Problem 1: My default view keeps resetting
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Fix: Make sure you clicked Apply to Folders in Folder Options.
Problem 2: Only some folders follow my default view
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Fix: Windows applies settings based on folder type. Customize per folder type as explained.
Problem 3: View settings don’t stick after restart
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Fix: Try running File Explorer as administrator once and reapplying settings.
Pros and Cons of Setting a Default View
Pros
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Saves time adjusting views manually
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Creates consistent workflow
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Easier navigation and organization
Cons
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Different folder types may require manual adjustments
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Can be tricky if you often work with mixed file types
Final Thoughts
Changing the default File Explorer view in Windows 11 may seem like a small tweak, but it makes everyday use much smoother. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, setting a consistent view saves time and frustration.
So go ahead—pick your favorite view, apply it to all folders, and make Windows 11 work the way you want it to.
FAQs
1. Can I set different default views for different folders?
Yes, Windows 11 lets you optimize folders by type (Documents, Pictures, etc.) and set unique default views for each.
2. Will setting default view affect OneDrive folders too?
Yes, the settings usually apply to OneDrive folders since they open in File Explorer.
3. How do I quickly change views without opening settings?
Use the View menu in the toolbar or press Ctrl + Shift + number keys (1–8) for quick view changes.
4. Can I make File Explorer always open in “This PC” instead of Quick Access?
Yes! In Folder Options > General tab, under “Open File Explorer to,” select This PC.
5. What’s the best view for photos and videos?
“Large icons” or “Extra large icons” is ideal since it shows previews of your media files.