How to DISABLE grouping Windows File Explorer (Yesterday, Today, Last week, etc)
Q. Can you tell me how to disable file grouping in Windows 10 and Window 11 when I am viewing my Downloads folder?! It keeps putting everything in groups like Yesterday, Last week and stuff and it is driving me crazy because I am trying to sort by file type but it keeps grouping first and I cannot take this anymore!!! -Willie
A. Hey Willie, I think I can help! When you are viewing your download folder, go to:
View (click this option next to File/Home/Share) -> Group by (drop down) -> NONE (select this option)
That should result in a completely sortable file explorer window for you:
Thanks and have a great day!
This has do be done repeatedly. The ideal solution would need to happen ONCE.
You make a fair point. The built-in “Apply to Folders” option (Folder Options > View tab > Apply to Folders) can help, but it only applies to folders of the same type and doesn’t always stick in Windows 11. A lot of people have reported the grouping coming back after updates or in certain folder views. 😤
If you want something more thorough, check out WinSetView (free, open-source, portable). It resets saved folder views and sets your preferred defaults across folder types, including file dialogs. It’s not a Microsoft tool, so you’d need to rerun it after major Windows updates, but it’s the closest thing to a true one-time fix that I’ve heard of.
Thanks for the feedback and have a great week! 💪
-J.D.