Win 11 Pro Folder Type & Column Settings

Robert Allen Fisher 70 Reputation points
2026-07-09T01:33:29.8066667+00:00

I am setting up a new Win 11 Pro laptop.

In File Explorer I select the separate data drive root then properties and then customize. I change the type from general items to documents and back to general items so that the apply button will light up. I checked the box for also apply this template to all subfolders. I then click on Apply and ok to close the dialogue window.

When I check the subfolders they have not changed to general items.

I set up the columns in the root folder ang go to File Explorer Options>View to click on Apply to Folders (of this type) but it is grayed out.

I set up the columns in the senior data folder I call All Files, go to File Explorer Options>View to click on Apply to Folders (of this type) but it is grayed out.

I understand this is yet anther Win 11 bug that Microsoft refuses to fix.

Does anyone have a work around that you can point me to as this bug is intolerable.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Files, folders, and storage
0 comments No comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
  1. Carl-L 18,155 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-07-09T07:01:49.69+00:00

    Hello Robert Allen Fisher,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

    It's unfortunate to hear what you have been through, if you want to report this issue, you can do so using the Feedback Hub app on your Windows 11 computer.

    Right now, here is a workaround that might help you.

    • Create a new normal folder.
    • Go to properties > Customize.
    • Set "Optimized this folder for "General items"
    • Open the folder and configure the settings.
    • Close all other Explorer Windows.
    • Go to Options > View and see if Apply to Folders is now enabled.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

    Was this answer helpful?


Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.