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Changing Default 'View' Icon Size In File Explorer

LGLDSR73-6492 1,090 Reputation points
2026-01-03T20:21:59.6033333+00:00

In File Explore the "View' defaults to 'Large Icons'. Is there a way - even if a Reg hack - to get this to default to 'Extra Large Icons'?

Many thanks,

LGLDSR73

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Settings
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  1. Hendrix-V 13,510 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-01-04T04:03:17.5166667+00:00

    Hi LGLDSR73-6492,

    Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A Forum.

    In Windows 11, File Explorer saves view settings per folder type, not as one global default. Icon sizes like Large or Extra Large are remembered based on the folder’s template (for example: General items, Pictures, Videos), rather than a single system-wide rule. Because of this design, File Explorer may revert to Large Icons when it encounters new folders or different content types.

    While a global default isn’t available, there is a practical option that you can try, which is to apply Extra Large Icons per folder template.

    • Open File Explorer, go to a folder that represents how you want most folders to look (for example, Pictures)
    • Set View > Extra Large Icons
    • Click the ⋯ (More) menu > Options
    • Open the View tab
    • Select Apply to Folders, then confirm

    If you have specific folders (such as Downloads or project directories) where thumbnails matter, you can try these steps:

    • Right‑click the folder > Properties
    • Go to Customize
    • Set Optimize this folder for: Pictures
    • Optionally apply it to subfolders

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  1. Q&A Assist
    2026-01-03T20:22:06.71+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To change the default icon size in File Explorer to 'Extra Large Icons', you can adjust the settings in the Control Panel. However, there is no direct registry hack mentioned in the provided context to set this as a default for all folders. You can manually set the view to 'Extra Large Icons' for each folder, but it won't persist as a system-wide default automatically.

    To change the icon size manually:

    1. Open File Explorer.
    2. Click on the 'View' menu in the toolbar.
    3. Select 'Extra large icons'.

    If you want this setting to apply to all folders, you may need to apply the view settings to all folders through the Folder Options, but this might not guarantee that all folders will remember the 'Extra Large Icons' view.

    For further customization, you might need to explore additional registry settings or third-party tools, but these are not covered in the provided context.

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