Details view in Windows Explorer

Windows usually shows files in Tiles or Icon view. However, the easiest way to sort files by name or by date is to use the Details view. In this view, the files appear in rows, and there are columns that show each file’s properties, such as Name, Date modified, Type, and Size.

Windows remembers the view that you choose for each folder, so when you change to Details view, Windows will always show that folder in Details view.

Set Details view for a single folder

Windows XP

  1. Open the folder that you want to change to Details view.
  2. Click View, then Details.

Windows 7

  1. Open the folder that you want to change to Details view.
  2. In the top right corner of Windows Explorer, click the arrow next to Change your view button (below the search box).
  3. Click Details.

Set Details view for all folders

I recommend that you use Details view for all your folders. Here’s how to make it your default view for all folders:

Windows XP

  1. Open the folder that you set to Details view.
  2. Click the Tools menu, then Folder Options.
  3. Click the View tab. Click the Apply to All Folders button.

Windows 7

  1. Open the folder that you set to Details view.
  2. In the top left corner of Windows Explorer, click Organize, then Folder and search options.
  3. Click the View tab. Click the Apply to Folders button.
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3 comments on “Details view in Windows Explorer”

  1. Yes, but when you navigate to a different drive it returns to an ICON view. How do you make it so IT ALWAYS opens in Detailed view, no matter what drive you browse?

    1. ComicWatcher, please see the instructions at the end of the post (Set Details view for all folders). I just tested those steps in Windows 7, and they worked. I set my D: drive to show icons, then went to C: and followed the instructions for Windows 7. When I opened D: again, it was in Details view.

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