Windows Folder Settings

Hi folks,

I am trying to disable file grouping on Windows 11, and would like my files listed alphabetically, not by "date modified". Apparently, this is the default setting for Windows 11, as every time I open a folder, that's what I get. I am aware of the methods to disable file grouping within individual folders, but it never sticks. What I need to do is prevent Windows from grouping files and organising by "date modified" - everywhere, at all times.

This is seriously a problem for me. My assets are organized alphabetically for a reason. When I have to right-click and choose "Group By > None" every single time I access a folder through an application dialog, it wastes my time, increases my workload, and makes me very cranky.

So how can I completely disable file grouping, always, everywhere, in all windows, dialogs, everything? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
HH

Edited by HaroldHorder, 15 December 2025 - 12:03 AM.

In file explorer select a  top level folder by right clicking it.

Now select "more options" from the dropdown menu

Now select "by name"

You may have to repeat for each folder.

Some info here search howtogeek.com : https://www.google.com/search?q=Windows%2011%20Howtogeek.com%20to%20use%20file%20explorer%20sort&client=firefox-b-d&hs=paJU

Change last word to words in file explorer.

If your interested this is a darn good little program and being able to have 4 panes open and ability to drag and drop between them is really great :

EDIT URL to reputable site : Q-DIR https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/q_dir.html : If you do sorting then this is really great and simple.

Edited by Pkshadow, 15 December 2025 - 08:02 AM.

Maybe off base on what you want but Fancy Zones in MS Powertoys maybe useful, File Explorer Add-ons and Image Resizer :

https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/enhance-windows-10-with-microsoft-powertoys#

Turn off what you do not use.

I don't know if this is what you want as this will apply your preferred settings to all folders.

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/apply-folder-view-to-all-folders-in-windows-11.1299/

I recommend you try this free open source software - winsetview

https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/winsetview.html

Read their github.  It can also be ran in portable mode if you download the zip version, so you don't need to install any program at all.  

"WinSetView allows you to set Windows Explorer folder views globally."

https://github.com/LesFerch/WinSetView

This will allow you set rule for sort by name as default view.

Thanks for the responses folks, it is greatly appreciated. The issue has now been resolved.

Great !   Thanks for letting us know