How to change the default view for a folder
By Ed Bott
File Explorer (known as Windows Explorer in Windows 7) isn't a one-size-fits-all utility. Instead, it displays the contents of any folder you open using one of five predefined templates: General Items, Documents, Pictures, Music, or Videos. Each template has a set of columns it displays by default for that type of folder. Music folders, for example, show Track Number, Title, and Album fields, whereas folders set using the General Items and Document templates include the Date Modified, Type, and Size columns.
Windows generally guesses right about the contents of a folder, but you can manually change the template for any folder (and optionally, its subfolders). Just right-click the folder name, click Properties, and then choose a different template from the list on the Customize tab.
You can also change the columns shown in any folder. For example, you can open a folder that's defined using the Documents template, switch to Details view, right-click the column headings, and add the Authors column to that view. Want to use that same arrangement of columns in every folder that uses the Documents template? From the folder you just customized, open Folder Options, click the View tab, and then click Apply To Folders. 10 new enterprise-friendly features in Windows 10 Creators Update Take a look at 10 of the most significant features aimed at enterprise users in the Windows 10 Creators Update and see how much they will impact your network. More TechRepublic stories | Photos: The evolution of the laptop computer Video: Content is (still) king, on-air and online From 100,000 watts to 100,000 paying subscribers, comedian and radio host Stephanie Miller explains why broadcast media thrives in the era of podcasting, streaming, and social media. Survey: The pros and cons of working with vendors |
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How to change the default view for a folder By Ed Bott File Explorer (known as Windows Explorer in Windows 7) isn't a one-size-fits-all utility. Instead, it displays the contents of any folder you open using one of five predefined templates: General Items, Documents, Pictures, Music, or Videos. Each template has a set of columns it displays by default for that type of folder. Music folders, for example, show Track Number, Title, and Album fields, whereas folders set using the General Items and Document templates include the Date Modified, Type, and Size columns. Windows generally guesses right about the contents of a folder, but you can manually change the template for any folder (and optionally, its subfolders). Just right-click the folder name, click Properties, and then choose a different template from the list on the Customize tab. You can also change the columns shown in any folder. For example, you can open a folder that's defined using the Documents template, switch to Details view, right-click the column headings, and add the Authors column to that view. Want to use that same arrangement of columns in every folder that uses the Documents template? From the folder you just customized, open Folder Options, click the View tab, and then click Apply To Folders. |