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Need to view everything as 'General Items'

Anonymous
2023-11-21T19:59:36+00:00

Has Windows 11 yet allowed us to always view files as "General Items" (and never view as "Pictures" or "Music" or anything else)?

Having to change the view again and again just because there might be a picture or sound file added to a directory is slowing me way down. And the "Also apply this template to all subfolders" checkbox does NOT work.

Thanks!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Les Ferch 10,326 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-11-22T01:57:13+00:00

    That's why this tool exists:

    https://lesferch.github.io/WinSetView/

    You can use it to set all folder types to have the same view and, optionally, set all folders to be type Generic (aka General items) which will completely disable automatic folder type discovery. Enable the "Advanced" interface to see that option.

    Yes, "Also apply this template to all subfolders" is broken in Windows 11. I've wasted a lot of hours of my life trying to get the word out on that one and, more importantly, get Microsoft to fix it. So far, nada. For NTFS Local Disks, I made a workaround:

    https://lesferch.github.io/SetFolderType/

    Or, you can revert to the Windows 10 Explorer and get full functionality back. See this link for more info:

    https://lesferch.github.io/OldExplorer/

    6 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Paulo GM 63,545 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-11-21T21:59:23+00:00

    Hi K.E.R., I am Paulo and I'd like to help.

    It's possible that Automatic Folder Type Discovery is still enabled. This means that Windows will automatically detect the contents of the folder and change it to proper template.

    If you prefer only General items for all, you may check option three from this link to specify all folders as General items. This will also disable automatic folder type discovery.

    https://www.elevenforum.com/t/change-template-o...

    (Disclaimer: Elevenforum is a non-Microsoft website but the page provides accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.)

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  3. Paulo GM 63,545 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-11-22T07:19:18+00:00

    I am about to suggest that tool if ever my first suggestion didn't work. Glad you have found that neat tool :)

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  4. Les Ferch 10,326 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-11-22T06:25:43+00:00

    The registry setting in that tutorial is the same one set by WinSetView when you check the "Make all folders generic" option.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-11-22T06:12:18+00:00

    Thank you Paulo!

    I almost tried that fix but frankly messed some things up scripting a batch file not long ago, so wanted to work myself up first Then I found another thread here that recommended a tool called WinSetView. I tried that tool first as the thread didn't note any problems, and it seems to have cleared everything up for now. I might still try the elevenforum fix if this doesn't hold, even if it's just to get past my fear. ;-)

    Cheers!

    -KER

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