How to Turn Off Grouping in File Explorer
In the fast-paced digital age, the Windows File Explorer has become an indispensable tool for managing files and folders on our computers. One of its many features is the ability to group files and folders by type, size, date, and other criteria. While this feature can be convenient for some users, others may find it overwhelming or unnecessary. If you’re one of those users who prefer a clutter-free File Explorer, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to turn off grouping in File Explorer.
Firstly, open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E. Once File Explorer is open, you’ll notice that files and folders are grouped based on the criteria you’ve set. To disable this grouping, you’ll need to adjust the view settings.
Step 1: Access the View Tab
In the upper menu of File Explorer, you’ll find a series of tabs, including “File,” “Home,” “Share,” “View,” and others. Click on the “View” tab to access the view settings.
Step 2: Uncheck the “Group By” Option
Within the “View” tab, you’ll see a section labeled “Layout.” Look for the “Group By” option and click on it. This will open a dropdown menu with various grouping criteria, such as “Type,” “Date,” “Size,” and “Name.” To turn off grouping, simply uncheck the boxes next to any of these criteria.
Step 3: Confirm Your Changes
After unchecking the grouping criteria, File Explorer should automatically adjust the view to display files and folders in a flat list, without any grouping. You can verify this by observing the layout of your files and folders. If they’re still grouped, repeat the process and ensure that all grouping criteria are unchecked.
Step 4: Save Your Preferences
To ensure that your changes are saved for future sessions, you can customize the view settings further. Click on “Options” in the upper-right corner of File Explorer, then select “Change folder and search options.” In the “View” tab of the Folder Options window, you can choose to apply your changes to all folders or just the current folder.
Step 5: Restart File Explorer
If you’re still experiencing issues with grouping, try restarting File Explorer. Press the Windows key + X, then select “Task Manager.” In the Task Manager, go to the “Processes” tab, find “explorer.exe,” and click “End Task.” Once the process has been terminated, press the Windows key + E to reopen File Explorer with the updated settings.
By following these steps, you should now have a File Explorer that displays files and folders without any grouping. This will make it easier for you to navigate and manage your files, according to your preferences.
