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Windows 11 > File Explorer > Libraries > View > Change default view for all folders and sub-folders of all Libraries listed?

Anonymous
2023-12-02T12:51:24+00:00

I followed the advice here: Is there a way to permanently change the default Windows 11 folder view? Created on December 13, 2021 https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/is-there-a-way-to-permanently-change-the-default/b6d0580e-92a6-418e-b227-2c8d7825b613, applying the advice to all the folder types Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures and Videos and to Windows (C:) and Drive (D:) specifically.

Next I go to

  • File Explorer > Home > Quick access > Libraries,
  • I set View > List, next
  • I set Options > Folder Options > View > Folder view > Apply to folders

But the View within each of the 22 libraries listed is Details, except for the libraries Pictures and Videos which are Large Icons- the same goes for every sub-folder within each library.

When I go This PC > Device and drives > Data (D) for example and open any of those listed which have been set Include in library > Create new library, the View within and all sub-folders below is List whereas, as outlined above, when viewing the same in Home > Quick access > Libraries the View within and all sub-folders below is Details.

I even went as far to delete all 22 libraries and create them all anew but alas the same result - in the drive all folders and sub-folders are View > List, whereas in the library all folders and sub-folders are View > Details apart from the two exceptions Pictures and Videos.

The task of going through all 22 libraries and then the tens upon tens of sub-folders to set each manually to View > List is too daunting a task for this 72-year-old which goes someway to 'explain' the 'Why not have everything stored within folder type?" is not feasible for those of us who still store hardcopy in folders within filing cabinets; its how our brain is 'wired' - a place for everything where it can be found and retrieved when the lights go out!

Much obliged for any help that points me in the right direction.

Than-you.

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

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  1. DaveM121 872.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-12-03T09:55:36+00:00

    If that process did not work, there must be some bug in the new file explorer app when creating new folders if those settings are not getting applied, it would be best to report this on the Feedback Hub (Windows key + F) to their developers.

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  1. Les Ferch 10,326 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-12-03T14:56:46+00:00

    You can use WinSetView to set ALL your folder view preferences globally.

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-03T10:42:39+00:00

    If that process did not work, there must be some bug in the new file explorer app when creating new folders if those settings are not getting applied, it would be best to report this on the Feedback Hub (Windows key + F) to their developers.

    I will do that, and thank-you so much for your patience with this 72-year-old Grumpy Old Fella.

    This has been driving me crazy since being forced to switch to Windows 11 after my Windows 7 PC died suddenly a few weeks back.

    Much appreciated!

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-03T09:10:20+00:00

    Did you already set a default view for all folders with a type of General Items?

    Sorry for my ignorance here but how do I do that - I know from above that I've done it for all the folder types listed in This PC but setting it for General Items is not something I've come across until today.

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  4. DaveM121 872.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-12-02T13:25:58+00:00

    Hi, I am Dave, I will help you with this.

    That method I provided on that link will not work for folders pinned to Quick Access, because Quick Access is not a real folder with sub-folders, it is a virtual location

    You need to use the same process I provided on that link for one folder of each 'Type' of folder and that will set your preferred view for all folders.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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