Step-by-Step Guide: Changing Folder View Options in Windows 7

Changing the folder view options in Windows 7 allows you to customize how files and folders are displayed. This can include changing the icon size, sorting files, and modifying detailed views. Follow these steps to personalize your folder view settings:

Accessing Folder Options

1. Open Windows Explorer:

   • Click the Start button.
   • Select Computer or Documents from the right-hand pane to open Windows Explorer.

2. Navigate to the Folder:

   • Use the navigation pane on the left to browse to the folder where you want to change the view options.

Changing the View

1. Access the View Menu:

   • Look towards the top of the Windows Explorer window.
   • Click on the “View” button in the toolbar. This will display various view options.

2. Select a View Option:

   • Extra Large Icons: Displays very large icons.
   • Large Icons: Displays larger than normal icons.
   • Medium Icons: Shows medium-sized icons.
   • Small Icons: Displays smaller icons.
   • List: Arranges items in a list.
   • Details: Provides additional details like size, type, and date modified.
   • Tiles: Shows items with medium icons and provides some details.
   • Content: Displays detailed information next to a medium-sized icon.

3. Apply Your Choice:

   • Click on the desired view option, and Windows Explorer will immediately change the display according to your choice.

Sorting and Grouping Files

1. Sort Your Files:

   • Right-click anywhere in an empty space within the folder.
   • Hover over “Sort by”.
   • Choose a criterion like Name, Date Modified, Type, or Size.

2. Group Your Files:

   • Right-click in an empty area within the folder.
   • Hover over “Group by”.
   • Select your desired attribute to group files, such as Name, Date, or Type.

Changing Folder and Search Options

1. Open Folder Options:

   • In Windows Explorer, press the Alt key to reveal the menu bar.
   • Click Tools from the menu bar.
   • Select Folder options from the drop-down menu.

2. Adjust General Settings:

   • Under the General tab, you can choose how folders open and other navigation settings.

3. Modify View Settings:

   • Click on the View tab.
   • Here, you can adjust advanced settings such as showing hidden files, displaying file extensions, and more.
   • Check or uncheck the boxes according to your preferences.

4. Apply Changes:

   • Click the Apply button to save changes for the current folder.
   • Select Apply to Folders if you want these settings to apply to all folders of this type.
   • Click OK to close the folder options dialog.

Resetting to Default View Settings

1. Reset View Options:

   • Open the View tab in the Folder Options dialog as described above.
   • Click on the Reset Folders button to revert to default settings.

2. Confirm Your Choice:

   • Confirm any prompts that ask if you are sure you want to reset the folders.

By following these steps, you can effectively customize how files and folders appear in Windows 7 to suit your preferences and enhance your productivity.