Make Windows 11 show search results in Details view

Question

Hello, How can I make Windows 11 show File Explorer search results in Details view instead of the default search result view? Every time I do a search, the first thing I do is switch the view to Details view. This is irritating as I use search a lot.

Please note: I am not interested in 3rd party software to solve this problem. I am looking for a native Windows solution to the problem, even if it means changing registry settings.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I understand your frustration with File Explorer search results defaulting to a non-Details view. While there isn't a built-in option to permanently set the default view for searches in Windows 11.

Alternatively, you may try to Use Folder Views

Perform your search in File Explorer.

Navigate to the folder containing the search results (usually "Search Results").

Click the "View" tab in the ribbon menu.

Select "Details" from the view options.

Click the arrow next to "Details" and choose "Apply to Folders."

Answer 2

What is the 3rd party fix or a regisrty fix... anything.

This reg fix is wrong - https://appuals.com/customize-default-search-views-windows-10/

Answer 3

This website shows scripts to modify Windows registry to fix the Windows Explorer issue

https://superuser.com/questions/1498668/how-do-you-default-the-windows-10-explorer-view-to-details-when-looking-at-sea

Answer 4

Hi Bikhod,

Please do the below steps and let me know here if its work for you.

Steps to Show Search Results in "Details" View in Windows 11:

Open File Explorer (📁):

Press Windows + E.

Go to any folder or This PC.

Use the Search bar (top-right) to search for something (e.g., type *.docx or any file).

Once search results appear:

  Click on the **“View”** tab in the ribbon at the top.
  
     Select **“Details”** from the list (alternatively, press `Ctrl + Shift + 6`).
     
     **Make it the default view for all searches**:
     
        Click the **three-dot menu (•••)** in the toolbar > choose **Options**.
        
           In **Folder Options**, go to the **View** tab.
           
              Click **Apply to Folders** while you are in the search results.
              
                 Confirm when prompted.
                 

Answer 5

Trying the method suggested by S.Sengupta and Mohammad Sartaj Khan: On Folder Options > View > Folder Views, the option to Apply to Folders is greyed out when I do this from search results.

I was hoping to not have to go third party, but that may be the only way to do this :-(.