Restore Basic File Organization in Windows Explorer

Folder View Settings in Windows help you control how the contents of a particular folder are displayed and organized. If you’ve changed these settings, but now want to reset them to the default view, it’s easy. Read this guide to learn how to reset Folder View settings on your Windows 11 PC.

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How to Reset Folder View Settings to Default on Windows

There are three ways to reset your Folder View Settings to the default view. The first method is to run a batch file, the second using File Explorer, whereas the third and final method involves tweaking the registry editor. This post explains each method in detail. Let’s dive into it.

1. Run a Batch File to Reset Folder View Settings to Default

Resetting the Folder View Settings with this method requires creating and running a batch file. This will reset the settings for all folders across your computer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Right-click on your desktop and selectNew > Text Document .
2. Name itResetFolderViewSettings and press Enter to save it.
3. Open the newly created text file in Notepad or any other text editor of your choice.
4. Now copy and paste the following code into the file:
   `@echo off

:: Resets folder view settings, window size and position of all folders
Reg Delete “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU” /F
Reg Delete “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags” /F

:: To reset “Apply to Folders” views to default for all folder types
REG Delete “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Streams\Defaults” /F

:: To reset size of details, navigation, preview panes to default for all folders
Reg Delete “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Modules\GlobalSettings\Sizer” /F
Reg Delete “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Modules\NavPane” /F

:: To reset size of Save as amd Open dialogs to default for all folders
Reg Delete “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CIDOpen” /F
Reg Delete “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\CIDSave” /F
Reg Delete “HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32” /F

:: To kill and restart explorer process
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
start explorer.exe`
5. After adding the code, clickFile in the top menu, then selectSave As .
6. Now selectAll Files in the Save as type menu, and add**.bat** to the end of the file’s name.

7. From the left pane, selectDesktop as the location.

8. Then clickSave and close the text editor window.
9. Finally, double-click the batch file you created, and it will reset your Folder View Settings to the default view.

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2. Reset Folder View Settings to Default via File Explorer

If you only need to reset the View Settings of all folders of the same type, this method is for you. Here’s what you have to do:

1. Click on Start and search forFile Explorer Options . To learn more about it, see our guide onhow to open the Folder Options on Windows .
2. Now, select theView tab in the top bar and tap onReset Folders .
   
3. ClickYes when prompted to confirm your action.
4. Finally, hitOK and the window will close.

This will reset your Folder View Settings to Windows’ default settings.

3. Reset Folder View Settings to Default Using Registry Editor

The last method to reset Folder View settings involves using the Windows Registry Editor. You should only use this method if you are an experienced user and know how it works, since messing with its keys could cause serious problems. To avoid data loss, you mustcreate a registry backup before continuing.

To reset folder view settings using the registry editor, do the following:

1. PressWin + R on your keyboard toopen the Run command .
2. Typeregedit in the text box and press Enter. This willopen the Registry Editor window .
3. Navigate to the following location:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell
4. In the left sidebar, right-click on theBagMRU folder and selectDelete.
   
5. ClickYes when asked to confirm your action.

6. Similarly, delete theBags folder and close the Registry window.

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Reset Folder View Settings to Default

Folder View on Windows allows users to customize their view of files and folders. This includes settings such as the file size information, restoring the previous folder when logging in, and automatically entering words when searching.

However, if you have changed the View settings, this guide will help you reset Folder Options to its default.

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