How to set a specific File Explorer view type Everywhere #

PROMPT: One of your users is extremely insistent on specific view type being the default File Explorer view everywhere. This includes the ‘Save-As/Open-As’ windows, which the File Explorer folder options ‘Apply to Folders’ button does not accommodate. You wish to ensure that this view type is the only view everywhere.

Resources: #

Guide
Forum that led me to Guide

Notes: #

• If you want more pictures you can utilize the guide above for steps 2-9. I do insist you come back for steps 11-13.

Steps: #

1. Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
2. Navigate to ‘HKCU:\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell’
3. Export this somewhere safe incase you mess up or wish to revert the settings.
4. Under Shell, you will find three keys. Delete Bags and BagsMRU.
5. Under Shell, create a new Bags key.
6. Under Bags, create a new AllFolders key.
7. Under AllFolders, create a new Shell key.
8. To confirm, at this point you should be at this Path: ‘HKCU:\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell’
9. Under this second, nested Shell key, create a new String Value with the Name: FolderType and the Value: NotSpecified.
10. To check, the structure should look like this:
    • Insert Image of example key structure
    • and an image of the contents of the Shell folder
11. Restart the computer.
12. Open File Explorer and go to any random folder EXCEPT Desktop, Downloads, Documents or Pictures. Go to a folder like C:\Users\Public and then set the ‘view’ to the one you would like to be Everywhere.
13. Click the three dots, then click options. The Folder Options window should open. CLick on the View tab, then click ‘Apply to Folders’. This will permanently set the default to whatever you set the view mode to here.