OneDrive + Windows Explorer Multiple Devices: Sort By Date Modified

Question

Hi,

I use OneDrive (Business) on multiple devices. I've noticed that when I click to make a folder Sort By Date Modified ascending, other devices will then sort that folder by descending. I'm not sure if one computer using Windows 11 and others using Windows 10 is relevant (but have no choice about this, some devices cannot use Windows 11 currently)

I sort a folder, then later access that folder on another device and the sorting is reversed. So, I often must re-sort the same folders over and over again to maintain it. I have already tried force applying current folder options to all folders, but I still have the same issue.

Could some one provide some background or tips? My goal is to maintain Sort By Date modified ascending for all devices accessing the same OneDrive.

Answer 1

Dear Carolina Jud,

Thank you for sharing with me the detailed information.

One troubleshooting step I can think of is that on one Windows 11 computer, you may try switching to a different Windows account, log in Windows, set up OneDrive to sync files and then check if that issue happens or not.

This way can help you determine whether it's a specific Windows profile problem.

Welcome to post back if you have any update.

Thanks for your time and cooperation!

Have a nice day.

Sincerely,

Tina | Microsoft Community Moderator

Answer 2

Hi Tina,

Thanks for the reply, and also taking the time to test.

The problem does not happen instantly. It does not happen every time. It seems random. I don't have the problem every day, but I have it frequently enough that it interferes with efficiency, so I hope to fix it.

It's possible that I am mistaken, and the problem is not related to OneDrive but instead with Windows and File Explorer. Maybe the problem is with local machine system settings somehow.

Do you know any other reason why Windows would wrongly/automatically adjust this folder setting of File Explorer? Even after I have manually set the Folder Options to Sort-By-Date Modified ascending, what could cause it to change (I did not manually change any other folders to a different setting or adjust in anyway).

I will try to test more and see if I can force/reproduce the problem under specific circumstances and let you know if I have more information. Until then, just let me know if you can think of any local system problem that could explain my issue.

Thanks,

Answer 3

Dear Carolina Jud,

Greetings! Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

Per your description, you use OneDrive app to sync OneDrive files on different devices. When you make a folder Sort By Date Modified ascending, other devices will sort that folder by descending.

I understand you want to maintain Sort By Date modified ascending for all devices accessing the same OneDrive

For the situation you encountered, I deeply understand the inconvenience caused and feel sorry about it.

When I tried testing from my side on 2 Window 10 devices. I didn’t reproduce the same situation.

May I know if the issue happens repeatedly between all devices which means when you sort by Date Modified ascending on device A, it will sort the same folder by descending on device B, but when you go to sort the folder by ascending on device B, device A shows the sorting is reversed?

If yes, I'm afraid the best way to troubleshoot this issue further is to report it to the related team, the support team has higher permission to remotely assist you, they may collect background logs when the sorting is reversed, investigate the issue further and help you find root cause and fix it for you. This would be the most efficient way in handling this case for you.

Microsoft 365 admin has right permission to contact related team. Therefore, I sincerely recommend you use Microsoft 365 admin permission, follow steps in this article Get support - Microsoft 365 admin | Microsoft Learn, raise a support ticket and contact the related team.

Appreciate your patience and understanding and thank you for your time and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Tina | Microsoft Community Moderator?