Why are file names sorted with numerics handled as numbers in WIndows 11.

Question

Why are file names sorted with numerics handled as numbers in WIndows 11.

Ray Oberhardt 0

Sorry to sound ignorant but to be short and sweet, what moron would want file names sorted by numerical value at the first set of digits, when leading zeros clearly indicate straight alpha sorting is required anyway. It seems as if IQ is descending further in the IT world.

3 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

In Windows 11, file names can be sorted numerically based on the configuration of the operating system. This behavior is controlled by a policy setting called NoStrCmpLogical. When this setting is enabled, File Explorer sorts file names literally, treating each digit as a separate character, which can lead to results like sorting 111 < 22 < 3. Conversely, if the policy is disabled, it sorts file names by increasing numerical value, which would result in 3 < 22 < 111.

This sorting method can be beneficial in certain contexts where users prefer numerical sorting for clarity, especially when dealing with version numbers or other numerical identifiers in file names. However, it can also lead to confusion when leading zeros are involved, as they may suggest a different sorting approach is needed.

Ultimately, the choice of sorting method can be adjusted based on user preference and specific use cases, allowing for flexibility in how file names are presented in File Explorer.

Answer 2

Viego An 6,145 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Dear @Ray Oberhardt,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum. I am happy to assist you.

I’m sorry for the inconvenience caused by numerical (natural) sorting in File Explorer, you can turn off numerical sorting as follows:

Note: You must be signed in as an administrator to enable or disable numerical sorting in File Explorer.

Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components
Scroll down to find File Explorer. You will see "Turn off numerical sorting in File Explorer" on the right window.
Double‑click Turn off numerical sorting in File Explorer. Set to Enabled > Apply > OK.
Restart File Explorer (or restart the PC) and check the folder again.

For reference, please visit this link: File Explorer in Windows 11 sort order doesn't make any sense. - Microsoft Q&A

I hope this information is helpful. If you need any further assistance, please feel free to reach out. We are here to help. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.

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Ray Oberhardt 0 Reputation points

2025-12-17T03:21:55.9266667+00:00

I entered gpedit.msc and it says "Windows cannot find gpedit.msc blah blah ..."
Viego An 6,145 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-17T03:38:50.1566667+00:00
Hello @Ray Oberhardt,

Thank you for your response.

Please try the following steps to open the Local Group Policy Editor:

Type “Edit Group Policy” in the search bar and select “Edit group policy” to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

Alternatively: Type cmd in the search bar Right‑click Command Prompt > Run as administrator Enter: gpedit.msc

If you still cannot access it, please run Command Prompt as administrator and enter the following commands:

FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")

FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")

After running the commands, try opening the Local Group Policy Editor again.

Thank you for considering the suggestions I provided and giving them a try. Since I do not have access to your device environment, there may be cases where my recommended solutions do not fully resolve the issue or other problems appear. If that happens, please update me right away with any new details or results in the Comment. I will do my best to support you and help find a solution as quickly as possible.
Ray Oberhardt 0 Reputation points

2025-12-17T10:36:22.8833333+00:00

Sorry, none of that works - this is just a nightmare. I've wasted too much time on this nonsense already. Why is this not just a simple setting? Only Microsoft knows how to make things complicated.
Viego An 6,145 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-18T06:16:19.7866667+00:00
Hello @Ray Oberhardt,

Thank you for your update.

I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. This behavior is part of how Windows is designed to work, so it cannot be changed directly from File Explorer settings. To adjust it, you should use the Local Group Policy Editor, which is a system tool that allows you to change deeper Windows settings that are not normally available through the standard menus. As a forum moderator, I do not have the ability to change application features directly.

Regarding the numerical sorting behavior in File Explorer, you may try adjusting the registry key to see if it resolves the issue:

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.

Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Right‑click on the blank area.

New > DWORD (32‑bit) Value.

Name the new value NoStrCmpLogical > Right‑click it > Modify

Select Hexadecimal > set the Value data to 1 > Click "OK".

Restart your computer and check whether numerical sorting is disabled.

Disclaimer: Editing the Windows Registry may affect system behavior. Please proceed carefully or ask an IT professional for assistance.

Once again, I apologize for the inconvenience this issue has caused. I also agree that having an option to enable or disable numerical sorting in File Explorer would greatly improve the user experience and better meet the needs of different users.So I encourage you to submit feedback directly to Microsoft through Feedback Hub by go to: Microsoft 365 Feedback Hub > Send Feedback > Describe your proposal in detail.

Sharing your experience through this channel is the most impactful way to advocate for a change that would benefit you and other users.

Thank you again for your patience and for bringing this to our attention. While I can't change the product's design, please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions about its current functionality. Your perspective is important, and I’m confident it will support the continued development of the File Explorer experience.

If you need any further assistance, feel free to reach out. We're here to help. Thank you very much for your understanding and your cooperation.
Ray Oberhardt 0 Reputation points

2025-12-19T05:51:59.9633333+00:00

I should have said that gpedit.msc is not recognised on my computer, but I have used regedit as many googled answers suggest and set the NoStrCmpLogical to 1 and restarted. Anyway, look, I have just altered the offending folder names to give the correct sort sequence. I don't think there's any point in continuing. Every Windows version before 11 sorted correctly and this feature should not have been made the default.

Answer 3

Ray Oberhardt 0

Thank you moderator. I'm not blaming you. I would hate your job.I have tried that and every other suggestion revealed by google search. It doesn't work. It's like getting Windows 11 to talk to a Linux computer other than ping. What was easy in earlier windows versions now becomes impossible. Great job Windows 11 development team. Even google admits these things have become impossible in Windows 11.

Viego An 6,145 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-12-19T02:43:37.67+00:00

Hello @Ray Oberhardt,

Thank you for your response.

I tested this behavior in my Windows 11 environment, and this is how the sorting function in File Explorer works after applying the registry key method:

If it is not working on your side, the issue may be related to the specific configuration of your device rather than the operating system itself.

Since I do not have access to your device environment to investigate further, I recommend submitting a support request ticket. A Microsoft support agent will have the proper tools and authorization to review your device configuration in detail and provide more accurate guidance. Kindly follow this article to open support requests: Open support requests

I hope this information is helpful. If you need any further assistance, please feel free to reach out. We are here to help. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.

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Why are file names sorted with numerics handled as numbers in WIndows 11.

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