How to Disable Grouping in Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer is a powerful file management tool that helps users organize and navigate their files and folders. By default, Windows Explorer groups similar files and folders together, making it easier to find and manage them. However, some users may prefer to view all their files and folders in a flat list, without any grouping. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to disable grouping in Windows Explorer on Windows 10 and earlier versions.
Step 1: Open Windows Explorer
First, open Windows Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the “File Explorer” icon on the taskbar, or by pressing the “Windows key + E” on your keyboard.
Step 2: Customize the View
Once Windows Explorer is open, click on the “View” tab at the top of the window. Here, you will find various options to customize the way your files and folders are displayed.
Step 3: Uncheck “Group by”
In the “Layout” group on the “View” tab, you will see an option called “Group by.” This option determines how files and folders are grouped in Windows Explorer. To disable grouping, simply uncheck this option. Once you uncheck it, your files and folders will be displayed in a flat list, without any grouping.
Step 4: Save your changes
After unchecking “Group by,” Windows Explorer will automatically apply the changes. There is no need to save the changes manually.
Step 5: Apply the changes to all folders
If you want to apply the changes to all folders in Windows Explorer, you can use the “Apply to folders” button in the “View” tab. This will ensure that the flat list view is applied to all folders in the future.
Alternative Method: Use Registry Editor
If you prefer a more advanced method, you can disable grouping in Windows Explorer by editing the Windows Registry. Please note that modifying the registry can be risky and may cause system instability if not done correctly. Proceed with caution.
1. Press “Windows key + R” to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press “Enter” to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
4. In the right pane, find the “GroupBy” value. If it is not present, right-click in the right pane and create a new “DWORD (32-bit) Value” named “GroupBy.”
5. Double-click on the “GroupBy” value and set its value data to “0” (zero).
6. Click “OK” and close the Registry Editor.
Conclusion
Disabling grouping in Windows Explorer can help you view your files and folders in a more straightforward manner. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily disable grouping and customize the way your files are displayed. Remember to proceed with caution when using the Registry Editor method, as it can have serious consequences if not done correctly.
