How can I return File Explorer to original settings?

I'm in the pocess of consolidating my files to one main computer. I have two computers. In the process I copied numerous files from my old computer onto a portable SSD, then attempted to move those files to my new computer. I changed several file explorer settings after the move process stopped with the notation that a certain file couldn't be moved. I clicked "Skip" and "do this for all files like this". I did this several times for files that halted the process and also changed settings in popup windows I didn't note settings that I changed or which were the errant files.

Now the "move" process appears to have completed but the destination folder is much smaller than the source. I've tried repeating the move process and File Explorer continues to claim that the move is complete. I believe that some setting that I changed must have messed up my File Explorer move settings.

How can I return File Explorer to original settings?

To return File Explorer to default settings:
1. Click on 3 dots in the toolbar and select Options.
2. In the Folder Options window go to the "View" tab and click on "Reset Folders".
3. Still in the "View" tab, click on "Restore Defaults" to revert all settings to their original state.
4. Click on "Apply" and then "OK" to confirm the changes.
5. Close and reopen File Explorer or restart your computer to ensure all changes are implemented.

lbeck said:

Now the "move" process appears to have completed but the destination folder is much smaller than the source. I've tried repeating the move process and File Explorer continues to claim that the move is complete. I believe that some setting that I changed must have messed up my File Explorer move settings.

Click to expand...

It could be that or perhaps you could select show hidden files & folders in File Explorer and make sure the source doesn't contain hidden files or folders.

As @antspants noted, showing of hidden files and folders and OS system files are the only settings that would make a difference.

I recommend getting a good comparison tool, such as Beyond Compare (paid) or WinMerge (free) so you can compare your source and target folders.

use robocopy to copy the files. using the proper swtiches etc will copy everything