My chosen Folder options only work sometimes - depending on how the folders accessed.

Question

My chosen Folder options only work sometimes - depending on how the folders accessed.

NiagaraMouse-2552 0

Windows 11 – Vers 25H2 (OS Build 26200.7840) Most folders keep my settings if I open them myself from Explorer, but, when I save something from any app - the settings are ignored in the folders.

Additionally, when I open the ‘Downloads’ from my shortcut on my Taskbar then my folder settings work, but not if I save a download from my browser or from any app.

Also, the Recycle bin which I have as a shortcut on my desktop does not keep my settings either.

How do I fix these?

1 answer

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Answer 1

Norah-L 3,940 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hello NiagaraMouse-2552

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

I see that when you open a folder yourself in File Explorer, Windows remembers the way you set it up. But these settings are ignored when saving files from applications or browsers. The 'Downloads' folder's settings work when accessed from a Taskbar shortcut, but not when files are saved directly to it. Please try the methods below:

1. Force a General Template

Right‑click the effected folder > Properties > Customize tab.
Set “Optimize this folder for: General items” and check “Also apply this template to all subfolders.”

2. Increase View Memory Limit

Disclaimer: Modifying the registry or workgroups is usually geared towards advanced users, administrators, and IT professionals, and it can help fix some problems, however, improper registry modifications can cause serious problems. Therefore, please make sure to follow the steps below strictly. For further protection, make a backup of the registry before modifying it. For more information on how to backup and restore the registry, please refer to: How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support

Press Win + R, type regedit > Open the Registry Editor.

Add a DWORD BagMRU Size under

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell

Set it to 20000 (decimal). This expands how many folder views Windows can remember.

3. Clear Explorer’s Cache

Also, in Registry Editor, navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU

Delete both keys (they store folder view history).

Restart your PC. Windows should rebuild the cache fresh.

Note: After clearing the cache, you’ll need to re‑set your preferred views.

Hope one of these could help. I'm here if you need further assistance!

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NiagaraMouse-2552 0 Reputation points

2026-02-23T13:24:31.5266667+00:00

Thank you Norah-L for your in-depth reply, unfortunately, I am leery about changing the registry, particularly increasing the View memory. Is there no other way to clear Explorer's cache as I hope that might work?
Norah-L 3,940 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-24T06:35:39.8866667+00:00
Hi NiagaraMouse-2552!

Thank you for posting back to let me know that. Please consider trying the following steps instead:

Clear Quick Access Cache

Folder view issues can sometimes be linked to Quick Access corruption. Try clearing the cache:

Open File Explorer.

Go to Options from the menu.

Under the General tab, click Clear under Privacy.

Temporarily uncheck Show recently used files/folders in Quick Access.

Restart your PC and check if folder views stabilize.

If the issue continues, try resetting Folder Views

Please note that this method reverts custom folder layouts, column choices, sort orders, and view templates (such as Details or Icons) back to Windows defaults.

Open File Explorer.

Click the three-dot menu at the top and select Options.

Go to the View tab and click Reset Folders.

Click Apply and OK to confirm.

Please let me know how it goes!
NiagaraMouse-2552 0 Reputation points

2026-02-24T15:15:48.8266667+00:00

Thank you, it may take a few days for me to try this, as I have come down with the flu or something, not feeling up to going through the steps.

Please bear with me I'll try when I am better.
Norah-L 3,940 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-25T00:03:10.32+00:00

Thank you for letting me know, NiagaraMouse-2552!

I completely understand, and there’s no rush at all. Please take the time you need to rest and feel better first.

When you’re ready, you can go through the steps at your own pace. In the meantime, if you need any further clarification or support, I’ll be here.

Best regards.

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My chosen Folder options only work sometimes - depending on how the folders accessed.

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