wolfgang ziegler


„make stuff and blog about it“

Disable Grouping in Windows 11 Explorer

January 22, 2024

In Windows 11, Windows Explorer has the habit of switching into grouping mode by default for certain folders (e.g. Downloads).

Explorer grouping in the Downloads folder

I don't know about you, but I find this behavior incredibly annoying. So, if you want to get rid of it, here is how:

  • Open the Sort dropdown menu in Windows Explorer's toolbar.
  • Expand the Group by item.
  • Select (None) there.

Disable grouping in Explorer

This should get rid of the grouping view in the current explorer Window.

If you want to make this current view your default for all folders, thus turning off grouping everywhere, here is how:

  • Open the ... dropdown menu in Windows Explorer's toolbar.
  • Select Options there.

Open Options in Explorer

This brings up an old-style Windows options dialog.

  • Switch to the View tab there.
  • Select Apply to folders. This applies the current view settings to all folders.

Apply to folders

Done. Now you should have gotten rid of grouped views on your whole system.