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File explorer Folder templates stuck to general items on "D:" hard drive

Anonymous
2024-09-12T11:20:02+00:00

Problem Summary: I'm unable to change folder templates in File Explorer from "General items" to any of the other four templates (Documents, Music, Pictures, or Videos) on folders stored in "d" hard drive. This problem has been happening for like 4 or 5 months and i haven't been able to fix it.

Detailed Description: Whenever I attempt to change a folder's template by going to properties>customize, it doesn't take effect. unless I manually switch the view and columns and sort by. This change only applies to one folder at a time. Manually repeating this process for each folder is not a viable solution for large numbers of folders. I've only now realized that this problem only occurs on the "d" hard drive because all my work files are stored there. "c" ssd drive works fine

The default Pictures and Videos folders in File Explorer do have their templates applied correctly.

Steps I've Tried:

  • Reset all folders to default with file explorer and winsetview and tried changing the templates again. Then apply to all folders, but those changes affect the general items view.
  • Customizing folder templates in winsetview then applying only affect "General items" and the default Pictures and Videos folders And folders on the c drive.
  • Enabled and disabled Auto Folder Discovery using Winaero Tweaker.
  • Increased the maximum number of folder views File Explorer can remember to 20,000.

System Information:

  • OS: Windows 11 pro 23H2 22631.4037
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-09-12T13:28:24+00:00

    I've finally figured it out. I fixed the issue by deleting every key inside HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer. After restarting Windows, folder templates on the "D:" drive were working again.

    Important Note: Make sure to back up the Explorer folder by exporting it before making any changes to the registry.

    Side Effects:

    • After restarting, Windows showed a OneDrive ad, similar to the one shown in the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) when first setting up a PC.
    • One drive got reinstalled on my computer even though i clicked "do not backup my files"
    • Everything pinned to the taskbar was unpinned (Start menu pinned apps remained intact).
    • All the apps that i disabled to launch at start up from task manager got re enabled
    • File Explorer settings (accessible via the "..." > Options menu) were reset to default.

    Additionally, this solution should also resolve the issue where the "Restore previous folder windows at logon" option wasn't working properly.

    Reference: I found this solution in a Microsoft Community post discussing similar issues with File Explorer on Windows 11. Windows 11 explorer: problems with restore previous windows and quick - Microsoft Community

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-09-13T07:03:30+00:00

    Hi Rayen Bouderbela

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    Based on your description, I understand that you are unable to store folders in File Explorer in a folder template on your D drive. I understand your feelings very well!

    Your reply seems to indicate that you have successfully solved the problem, you are really awesome!

    Thank you very much for the detailed solution steps and references, and commend you on your problem solving skills and thinking!

    As a Support Specialist, I am well aware of the expectations of the users and the concerns behind every issue. I would like to thank you again for the detailed solution and I believe your solution can help more users with similar issues as yours!

    Have a nice day!

    Best Regards

    Arthur Sheng | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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