Slow displayed folder content - displaying unwanted metadate in explorer

Question

Hi,

I've Windows 10 and since some time I have a problem that in some folders when I open them the following happens:

1. seems that the content of the folder is displayed in "detailed list view" (the UI does not react on my input in that step)
2. but then content is removed line by line (the UI does not react on my input in that step) - that takes a second per file
3. and then it is displayed all at once again but with meta data (like interpreting artist of mp3 files)

I do not like this:

• I'm not interested in the meta data
• I want my content displayed fast.

Is there a way to tell all folders to display "detailed list view" with only the default information of files?

Answer 1

Hi Paul Edison,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

If you want Explorer to stick to just 1 view mode for all folders and never switch to another view mode based on their content, although it can be done by Registry Editor, it's easier to achieve and manage by third-party software WinSetView.

WinSetView provides an easy way to set Windows File Explorer default folder views. For example, if you want Details view, with a particular selection of column headings enabled across all folders, then WinSetView will do that for you. WinSetView sets registry values that File Explorer already supports. It does not modify Explorer or add any tasks or services.

Disclaimer: Microsoft provides no assurances and/or warranties, implied or otherwise, and is not responsible for the information you receive from the third-party linked sites or any support related to technology.

I hope that above information is helpful to you.

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Answer 2

To address the issue of slow folder content display and unwanted metadata in Windows 10 File Explorer, you can adjust the folder view settings to ensure that only the default information is displayed. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Change Folder Options:
   • Open File Explorer.
   • Click on the View tab.
   • Select Options on the right side to open Folder Options.
   • In the View tab, you can adjust settings such as enabling or disabling the display of file metadata.
2. Set Default View:
   • Navigate to the folder you want to change.
   • Click on the View tab and select Details to set it to the detailed list view.
   • After setting it, go back to the View tab and select Options. In the Folder Options dialog, click on Apply to Folders to apply this view to all folders of the same type.
3. Disable Metadata Display:
   • You may need to disable certain features that show metadata. This can sometimes be done through the Folder Options or by right-clicking in the folder, selecting Properties, and adjusting settings under the Customize tab.
4. Optimize Performance:
   • Ensure that your folders are optimized for general items rather than specific types (like music or pictures) which may trigger metadata display. This can also be done in the Customize tab of the folder properties.

By following these steps, you should be able to improve the speed of folder content display and limit the metadata shown in File Explorer.

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References:

• Windows libraries
• Slow network performance when you open a file that is located in a shared folder on a remote network computer