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Can't see entire path in File Explorer - Windows 10

Anonymous
2020-01-11T18:50:47+00:00

I'm new to Windows 10, but I don't see how to fix this.

When I search in file explorer, I only see (3) two-line columns:

File name

Date Modified

Start of file path

File name Start of content

File Size

Author

I believe I've asked for all data to show, but I can't make any of the columns wider, and I can only see part of the the file name and path name.

If I'm looking for a file in a particular folder, I can't see the entire path. Is there a way to fix this?

I'd like to have the path name in its own column, is that possible?

Thanks for any help.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

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Anonymous
2020-01-12T01:47:46+00:00

Hi KSA.ga,

No it's not you.  I've done a search myself and can see now exactly what you are describing.  I think this is just the default screen in Search.

On the top toolbar, click on 'View' and you will see that 'Content' is highlighted.  Now click on 'Details' instead and now the 'Path is revealed, if you have selected it as described above, and you can alter the column widths as before.

For now under 'Content' all you could do is maximise the search window and hover your cursor over the path and it will show the full path in a tooltip. Some file types don't even reveal the Path in search, such as photos.  For them you have to right click on them and choose 'Properties'.  The Path is shown at 'Location', and again you can hover your cursor over the Path and it will show in full via a tooltip.

For Photos, you can best obtain the 'Path' by not using search and going to any folder or file and choosing any 'View'.  If you click in a blank section of the top 'Location' strip, it will change to show the full Path, and this can be copied if required.  This works for most folders.

I hope this is helpful.

Cheers.

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-01-11T19:37:42+00:00

    Hi KSA.ga and thanks for reaching out. My name is Joseph. I'm an independent advisor. I'll be happy to help you out today.

    Please check the image attached below for your reference.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let me know how it goes.

    Thank you!

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-01-12T14:44:31+00:00

    Hi Plainsman.

    Yes, that did help!

    Evidently, the default is Content. Every time I go to a different folder, I have to change the View to Details, and that's not helpful.

    In Windows 7, the view was visible on the search screen, and as I recall, the view stayed the same until you changed it. Now, they've  hidden it under the View tab, so it's not obvious what view you're seeing.

    Thank you so much. Your insight will help me make finding files much easier!

    Kathleen

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  3. Anonymous
    2020-01-11T19:48:58+00:00

    Thanks Plansman and Joseph.

    I added the Path to the columns. That worked when I look at a Folder.

    But, when I Search, there are no column headings on the search results page to help me change the width of each column, and I'm still seeing the three columns of two lines as I described originally.

    So, even when the column headings and Path column show when looking at a folder, it doesn't show in the search results.

    Is it just me?

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-01-11T19:26:39+00:00

    Hi, you could try these ideas?

    Firstly if you hover your mouse cursor over any of the column headings the name lights up in a different colour.  Move the cursor to the right hand edge of the heading and it changes to a black double-headed arrow.  You can now click and hold the mouse button down and drag the edge to widen or narrow the column.  This should work already.

    To select or change column headings, click on the view tab at the top, then in the middle of the top toolbar, click on the down arrow of 'Add columns' and select  'Choose columns'.  Click on the tick box for 'Path' to add the file path column and widen it to suit.

    I hope this helps.

    Cheers.

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