Downloads folder keeps reverting to default layout

I read here that "shell folders" are not customizable as a group. I am particularly concerned about my Downloads folder, which I use frequently. (For context, I do not use the Documents folder on my C: drive.)

I keep customizing Downloads to my desired layout, but it keeps reverting to the default layout the next time that I turn the computer on and log onto Windows. How can I get my customized setting to remain for the Documents folder? When I customize it (or any folder on my portable drive), I choose Documents as the folder type. I never choose General Items, Pictures, Music, or Videos. And I always select the same 13 columns.

Please advise. Thank you.

ajk1962f said:

I read here that "shell folders" are not customizable as a group. I am particularly concerned about my Downloads folder, which I use frequently. (For context, I do not use the Documents folder on my C: drive.)

I keep customizing Downloads to my desired layout, but it keeps reverting to the default layout the next time that I turn the computer on and log onto Windows. How can I get my customized setting to remain for the Documents folder? When I customize it (or any folder on my portable drive), I choose Documents as the folder type. I never choose General Items, Pictures, Music, or Videos. And I always select the same 13 columns.

Please advise. Thank you.

Click to expand...

If you're trying to use the "Also apply this template to all subfolders" feature, please note that has been broken in Windows 11 since January 2022. With the Windows 11 Explorer, the folder type on removable drives (that do not mount as "local disk") will be stuck at type "General Items".

Note that if you switch to the Windows 10 Explorer, then "Also apply this template to all subfolders" will work correctly.

If you're leaving the type set to "General Items" and are trying to set the default view by using the "Apply to Folders" button, that actually should work. If that's not working for you, try setting your default views using WinSetView.

Note: The standard Downloads folder cannot be changed to a different folder type (using any Explorer version) even though the option to do that is not grayed out. It will appear as folder type "General Items" but it's really folder type "Downloads".

I have downloaded WinSetView and the user guide. Thank you.

Please note that in my previous post, I mentioned that I only use the Downloads folder type.

ajk1962f said:

I have downloaded WinSetView and the user guide. Thank you.

Please note that in my previous post, I mentioned that I only use the Downloads folder type.

Click to expand...

Did you mean "Documents" folder type? Yes, I saw that. You won't be able to reliably apply the Documents folder type on a removable drive as long as you're using the Windows 11 Explorer.

ajk1962f said:

I have downloaded WinSetView and the user guide.

Click to expand...

Unless you have a local MD file viewer, the user guides will appear in ugly plain text if downloaded. The user guides are meant to be viewed online.