Reference number: CH000770

How do I keep my Windows file listing the same in all windows?

Question:

How do I keep my Windows file listing the same in all windows?

Answer:

If after changing the view of how the files are listed you may find the next time you open My Computer or Explorer that the view has changed back to the default. This document explains how to make Windows always display the files the way you want it to.

Microsoft Windows XP users

1. Open My Computer or Explorer.
2. Change the view to the way you always want it to be displayed.
3. Click Tools at the top of the window.
4. Click the View tab.
5. Click the "Apply to All Folders" button.

Microsoft Windows ME / 2000 users

1. Open My Computer or Explorer.
2. Change the view to the way you always want it to be displayed.
3. Click Tools at the top of the window.
4. Click the View tab.
5. Click the "Like Current Folder" button.

Microsoft Windows 95 / 98 users

1. Open My Computer or Explorer.
2. Change the view to the way you always want it to be displayed.
3. Click View at the top of the window.
4. Click the View tab.
5. Click the "Like Current Folder" button.

Additional information:

• Information about how to change the view of files in Explorer can be found on document CH001015.
• See our Explorer dictionary definition for additional information and related links to this term.