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How to set a default column width in windows explorer?

Anonymous
2020-01-31T19:57:56+00:00

Every time I open a folder, the Name column is too narrow and all contents display as "Part of the filenam...". This means navigating through a directory I have to: *open > resize > open > resize > open > resize...*I would like to set a default column width that is large, say 350 or 400 pixels.

Windows does remember column widths for specific folders, as far as I can tell. I once I change the column width for a specific folder, I usually do not need to change it again. However, at work I'm dealing with hundreds of folders, most of which I only open once or twice, most of which I have never opened before. It's not practical to manually change the width for every individual folder.

I'm using the "Details" view in explorer. I know other views are different, but it needs to be the Details view for me, unfortunately. I know Windows "libraries" are different, and there may be no option for these; however, I do not use libraries so this should not affect me.

I've tried: set width to 400 > View > Options (Folder Options) > View tab > "Apply to Folders". No luck. I've tried this for all folder types (General Items, Documents, Photos, etc.). 

I've looked at a few reg edit options, but no luck so far. Eg:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local>Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell > assign new value, eg 10000

Source: https://www.tenforums.com/general-support/96714-setting-file-explorer-columns-keeping-them.html

Anyone in 2020 know of a stable solution for this?

Windows 10 Pro x64

build 16299

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-02-01T18:49:19+00:00

    Don't know if you have figured out what to do but have you tried this? After opening a folder/file click on View>Details>Size all columns to fit. This should stick and be the same way the next time you open that folder/file.

    100+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2020-01-31T23:59:57+00:00

    If that returns 5000, you've hit the max for saved views (the regedit you linked to has the wrong key for BagMRU Size, so it had no effect).  a side-effect of this seems to be it interferes with Apply to Folders ability to create the custom template it normally does. So the keys containing saved views, BagMRU & Bags, need to be deleted & Explorerrestarted. Then Applly to Folders should work as expected. Here's the PowerShell to delete those keys:

    'BagMRU', 'Bags' | %{ri "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell$_" }

    gps explorer | spps

    Your post indicates you already understand the relationship of Apply to Folders to the various FolderTypes. There are ways to override the defaults for Libraies & SearchResults as well by creating registry keys that don't exist by default. Happy to provide details if interested.

    Keith

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2020-01-31T22:56:44+00:00

    Apply to Folders should be doing the trick. If it isn't you're likely 'maxed' out.

    Run this PowerShell & post back results:

    ((gp "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU").Nodeslots).count

    Keith

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2020-01-31T20:08:54+00:00

    What program are you using? Take a look at this link and see if this provides any help to you.

    https://support.office.com/en-us

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