Windows 11 Folder View Bugs

LesFerch · Jan 16, 2023

Currently, as of Windows 11 build 22621.1344, it appears that installing StartAllBack, with the Explorer style option set to one of the classic views, is the only viable option for going back to the old Explorer code base that doesn't have these bugs.

Correction: At the time I wrote the above, ExplorerPatcher also had the option to switch to the Windows 10 Explorer. Since I referenced a specific build, and the previous #60 post mentioned ExplorerPatcher, I have to assume that it must have failed for me. The likely explanation being that I just needed to update ExplorerPatcher.

Note: In early 2024, registry settings were posted that also do the switch, which can be applied manually or by using this tool.

LesFerch · Mar 25, 2023

Good news...

I reached out to Alison A., Forum Owner, Microsoft Community regarding these issues and got the following response:

I want to inform you that I have forwarded your feedback to the appropriate team, who have confirmed that they are already aware of this issue. They have identified that the issue is caused by a bug in the registry settings controlling the folder type, and they are actively working on a fix.

I can't explain why something they were already aware of, and has existed for over a year, has never made the "known issues" list, but at least there's hope these issues will be resolved some day in the not too distant future. I'll keep testing each new release with fingers crossed.

LesFerch · Apr 4, 2024

Today marks 800 days since Microsoft broke the feature Also apply this template to all subfolders.

That feature actually worked in the very early releases of Windows 11. It was broken by KB5008353 (build 22000.469) on January 25, 2022. Despite being told by someone at Microsoft a year ago "they are actively working on a fix", it remains broken (even in the current 24H2 builds).

Of course, those of us running the Windows 10 Explorer on Windows 11 (via your preferred mod) don't see this issue.

Edwin · Apr 5, 2024

LesFerch said:
Of course, those of us running the Windows 10 Explorer on Windows 11 (via your preferred mod) don't see this issue.

Til MS blocks it!!! :nope:

Takaani · Jun 7, 2024

LesFerch said:
Today marks 800 days since Microsoft broke the feature Also apply this template to all subfolders.

That feature actually worked in the very early releases of Windows 11. It was broken by KB5008353 (build 22000.469) on January 25, 2022. Despite being told by someone at Microsoft a year ago "they are actively working on a fix", it remains broken (even in the current 24H2 builds).

Of course, those of us running the Windows 10 Explorer on Windows 11 (via your preferred mod) don't see this issue.

It's a bit sad that every time I search up this issue in the past few years that your name seems to be the common theme. Also I wanted to say that I am using StartAllBack and have tried the other mods like ExplorerPatcher, but I have not been able to fix mine no matter what. Even on a fresh install. I might resort to using the registry method if there is no other way.

I also tried your SetFolderType before and sadly it also didn't work.

LesFerch · Jun 7, 2024

Takaani said:
It's a bit sad that every time I search up this issue in the past few years that your name seems to be the common theme. Also I wanted to say that I am using StartAllBack and have tried the other mods like ExplorerPatcher, but I have not been able to fix mine no matter what. Even on a fresh install. I might resort to using the registry method if there is no other way.

I also tried your SetFolderType before and sadly it also didn't work.

"Also apply this template to all subfolders" only works on Windows 11 if you are running the Windows 10 Explorer (aka Windows 10 ribbon). And you must continue to use the Windows 10 Explorer. If you switch back to the Windows 11 Explorer, then the folder type settings revert to "General items" on USB drives (that do not mount as "local disk") and automatic folder type discovery forces its will on NTFS local disks.

For a quick test, use this tool to switch to the Windows 10 Explorer and then test "Also apply this template to all subfolders". It should work.

SwitchExplorer

Switch Explorer between the Windows 11 version and the Windows 10 version

lesferch.github.io

As for the SetFolderType tool, as noted in the documentation, it only works for NTFS volumes that mount as "local disk". So, if you use it to set a folder such as C:\Music to type "Music", it should set that type for that folder and all it's subfolders.

As noted in the documentation:

Patience!

Although SetFolderType is very fast at populating all the subfolders with desktop.ini files, it’s up to Explorer to update the view. Explorer does that in the background as it notices the addition (or change) of the desktop.ini files. How long it will take is variable. It depends on the speed of the computer, what other processes are running, how many folders are affected, and so forth. But it can often take 30 seconds or so for all the folder views to update. So, before you jump onto GitHub and post an issue, relax, do something else for a minute and then go back and check your folders. You should see that Explorer did its thing and updated the view.

The view won’t change if you’re looking at it!

Explorer will not update the folder’s view until the folder is closed. However, having an open folder only stops the view update for that particular folder level. The subfolder’s views will update even if you have the parent folder open.

hdmi · Jun 7, 2024

Takaani said:
It's a bit sad that every time I search up this issue in the past few years that your name seems to be the common theme.

AFAIK the registry tweak does the same as changing the Control Interface option to Windows 10 Ribbon in ExplorerPatcher. This option was introduced in ExplorerPatcher on March 30, 2022 so the remark in post #61 was just total BS. (The part of the registry tweak that also fixes the additional problem, that the Windows 10 File Explorer "forgets" its last window position and size, was actually even also "borrowed" from ExplorerPatcher, so, lol...)

Takaani · Jun 7, 2024

LesFerch said:
"Also apply this template to all subfolders" only works on Windows 11 if you are running the Windows 10 Explorer (aka Windows 10 ribbon). And you must continue to use the Windows 10 Explorer. If you switch back to the Windows 11 Explorer, then the folder type settings revert to "General items" on USB drives (that do not mount as "local disk") and automatic folder type discovery forces its will on NTFS local disks.

For a quick test, use this tool to switch to the Windows 10 Explorer and then test "Also apply this template to all subfolders". It should work.

SwitchExplorer

Switch Explorer between the Windows 11 version and the Windows 10 version

lesferch.github.io

As for the SetFolderType tool, as noted in the documentation, it only works for NTFS volumes that mount as "local disk". So, if you use it to set a folder such as C:\Music to type "Music", it should set that type for that folder and all it's subfolders.

As noted in the documentation:

Patience!
Although SetFolderType is very fast at populating all the subfolders with desktop.ini files, it’s up to Explorer to update the view. Explorer does that in the background as it notices the addition (or change) of the desktop.ini files. How long it will take is variable. It depends on the speed of the computer, what other processes are running, how many folders are affected, and so forth. But it can often take 30 seconds or so for all the folder views to update. So, before you jump onto GitHub and post an issue, relax, do something else for a minute and then go back and check your folders. You should see that Explorer did its thing and updated the view.

The view won’t change if you’re looking at it!
Explorer will not update the folder’s view until the folder is closed. However, having an open folder only stops the view update for that particular folder level. The subfolder’s views will update even if you have the parent folder open.

I do have the Windows 10 layout enabled in StartAllBack and I do keep on because I prefer it. My disks are all set to local disks (including the ISCSI volumes). I also did try with and without applying to all subfolders on various folders. While I was typing my previous post I was testing it on a single folder with a single .jpg.

As for the Desktop.ini, I ran your tool with and without admin but I couldn't see it spawn a Desktop.ini in any folder whether the root folder of where the tool is or the folder it is trying to set attributes to. That likely could be the reason why it isn't working, but I also tried making the file myself to no avail. I did read your entire readme and followed its directions to the best of my ability. Not sure what else I could attempt.

hdmi said:
AFAIK the registry tweak does the same as changing the Control Interface option to Windows 10 Ribbon in ExplorerPatcher. This option was introduced in ExplorerPatcher on March 30, 2022 so the remark in post #61 was just total BS. (The part of the registry tweak that also fixes the additional problem, that the Windows 10 File Explorer "forgets" its last window position and size, was actually even also "borrowed" from ExplorerPatcher, so, lol...)

Was that mentioned in the EP GitHub issue tracker? I was going to give it a check to see if they made any progress on this issue or if they are aware of it.

LesFerch · Jun 7, 2024

Takaani said:
I do have the Windows 10 layout enabled in StartAllBack and I do keep on because I prefer it. My disks are all set to local disks (including the ISCSI volumes). I also did try with and without applying to all subfolders on various folders. While I was typing my previous post I was testing it on a single folder with a single .jpg.

What folder path are you testing?

Please note that the Downloads folder, and its subfolders, cannot be changed to a different folder type. This applies regardless of the Explorer version or desktop.ini files.

In Windows 10, only the Downloads folder root is type "Downloads". All subfolders of the Windows 10 Downloads folder can be set to any folder type you like. In Windows 11, all subfolders of Downloads are type Downloads and cannot be changed.

Takaani said:
As for the Desktop.ini, I ran your tool with and without admin but I couldn't see it spawn a Desktop.ini in any folder whether the root folder of where the tool is or the folder it is trying to set attributes to. That likely could be the reason why it isn't working, but I also tried making the file myself to no avail. I did read your entire readme and followed its directions to the best of my ability. Not sure what else I could attempt.

The desktop.ini files are marked hidden and system. They are only visible in Explorer if Show hidden is checked and Hide protected OS files is unchecked.

hdmi · Jun 8, 2024

Takaani said:
Was that mentioned in the EP GitHub issue tracker? I was going to give it a check to see if they made any progress on this issue or if they are aware of it.

This "bug" that you are experiencing is called the Windows 11 File Explorer. Merely installing ExplorerPatcher latest pre-release and changing the Control Interface option to Windows 10 Ribbon in it has been being nothing short of a permanent fix to me since like basically forever, it's been like finding the cure for cancer. (Microsoft type of cancer, actually.)

I have 2 different laptops (one that came with Windows 11 preinstalled, one that came with Windows 10 version 2004 preinstalled because it's close to 3 years and a half old that I upgraded to Windows 11 during the first weekend after Windows 11 had officially been released by Microsoft). Both laptops currently are running on Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3672 with ExplorerPatcher 22621.3527.65.5 and that's it, immediately the moment when I installed ExplorerPatcher all the countless bugs flew out the window. Literally. It is 150% reproducable.

Sure, the Downloads folder is a special folder that ignores the folder type setting so it and all its subfolders are stuck on General items. But it is still possible to work around that problem, i.e. by not falling into the age-old trap of using any of the special folders for anything besides stuff that you don't care that Microsoft, with 150% probability rate, is going to lay its Microsoft poop on it for reasons that should have been being waa-aaaa-aaaaaaay obvious since at least 3 whole decades ago.

P.S., if you didn't already know, to prevent Windows from interfering with the folder types you can disable automatic folder discovery via this registry tweak:

Batch:

reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell" /v FolderType /t REG_SZ /d NotSpecified /f

Takaani · Jun 8, 2024

LesFerch said:
What folder path are you testing?

Please note that the Downloads folder, and its subfolders, cannot be changed to a different folder type. This applies regardless of the Explorer version or desktop.ini files.

In Windows 10, only the Downloads folder root is type "Downloads". All subfolders of the Windows 10 Downloads folder can be set to any folder type you like. In Windows 11, all subfolders of Downloads are type Downloads and cannot be changed.

The desktop.ini files are marked hidden and system. They are only visible in Explorer if Show hidden is checked and Hide protected OS files is unchecked.

I was testing on both a folder on the desktop with a single jpg and a folder on root or C:\. I am aware that the user libraries function differently and it is also how I'm using the picture library to get extra large icons to show for picture only folders due to this bug preventing me from doing it elsewhere. I also am aware of it being an OS file and I have revealed both hidden files and OS protected files which would reveal the Desktop.ini on the Desktop itself. That would be why I made a folder on the Desktop to avoid having 2 Desktop.ini being in the test.

For added info, I am on build 26100.712.

LesFerch · Jun 8, 2024

Takaani said:
I was testing on both a folder on the desktop with a single jpg and a folder on root or C:\. I am aware that the user libraries function differently and it is also how I'm using the picture library to get extra large icons to show for picture only folders due to this bug preventing me from doing it elsewhere. I also am aware of it being an OS file and I have revealed both hidden files and OS protected files which would reveal the Desktop.ini on the Desktop itself. That would be why I made a folder on the Desktop to avoid having 2 Desktop.ini being in the test.

For added info, I am on build 26100.712.

I see no problem with folders within Desktop or off the root of C. For me, setting the folder type with "Also apply this template to all subfolders" works fine as long as I'm running the Windows 10 Explorer. And the SetFolderType tool works fine regardless of which Explorer I'm using. I'm running out of ideas why it's not working for you.

Is there any chance that your default view for folder type Pictures is the same as your default view for General items? Although, that wouldn't explain why you're not getting desktop.ini files from SetFolderType.

Please post screenshots of the problem. Maybe that will provide a clue.

I also tested on build 26100.712.

Takaani · Jun 8, 2024

LesFerch said:
I see no problem with folders within Desktop or off the root of C. For me, setting the folder type with "Also apply this template to all subfolders" works fine as long as I'm running the Windows 10 Explorer. And the SetFolderType tool works fine regardless of which Explorer I'm using. I'm running out of ideas why it's not working for you.

Is there any chance that your default view for folder type Pictures is the same as your default view for General items? Although, that wouldn't explain why you're not getting desktop.ini files from SetFolderType.

Please post screenshots of the problem. Maybe that will provide a clue.

I also tested on build 26100.712.

And it would stay as "General items" regardless of what I optimize for and regardless of the subfolder toggle. That's why I'm at my wit's end since even the working solutions aren't working for me.

Takaani · Jun 8, 2024

hdmi said:
This "bug" that you are experiencing is called the Windows 11 File Explorer. Merely installing ExplorerPatcher latest pre-release and changing the Control Interface option to Windows 10 Ribbon in it has been being nothing short of a permanent fix to me since like basically forever, it's been like finding the cure for cancer. (Microsoft type of cancer, actually.)

I have 2 different laptops (one that came with Windows 11 preinstalled, one that came with Windows 10 version 2004 preinstalled because it's close to 3 years and a half old that I upgraded to Windows 11 during the first weekend after Windows 11 had officially been released by Microsoft). Both laptops currently are running on Windows 11 Home 23H2 build 22631.3672 with ExplorerPatcher 22621.3527.65.5 and that's it, immediately the moment when I installed ExplorerPatcher all the countless bugs flew out the window. Literally. It is 150% reproducable.

Sure, the Downloads folder is a special folder that ignores the folder type setting so it and all its subfolders are stuck on General items. But it is still possible to work around that problem, i.e. by not falling into the age-old trap of using any of the special folders for anything besides stuff that you don't care that Microsoft, with 150% probability rate, is going to lay its Microsoft poop on it for reasons that should have been being waa-aaaa-aaaaaaay obvious since at least 3 whole decades ago.

P.S., if you didn't already know, to prevent Windows from interfering with the folder types you can disable automatic folder discovery via this registry tweak:

Batch:

reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell" /v FolderType /t REG_SZ /d NotSpecified /f

As for the registry change here, I tried it as of this instant and it seems like a new bug popped up. This time all library folders seem to revert back to "General items." However, they do respond to changing the optimize folder, but goes right back to "General items" on refresh or navigation.

LesFerch · Jun 8, 2024

Takaani said:
View attachment 98713 View attachment 98714 View attachment 98715
And it would stay as "General items" regardless of what I optimize for and regardless of the subfolder toggle. That's why I'm at my wit's end since even the working solutions aren't working for me.
View attachment 98716
View attachment 98717

Your screenshot shows that it's set to type "Pictures". Are you saying that after closing and reopening the Properties it's back to "General items" or that it's displaying like General items despite being set to "Pictures"?

Takaani · Jun 8, 2024

I have to apologize for triple posting in advance (and I also don't know how to @ someone in this forums) but I just undid the registry change and it now functions correctly with the Windows 10 ribbon and optimize folder. It seems like doing the registry change and undoing it was the hacky fix. No restart required not even a shell restart.

LesFerch said:
Your screenshot shows that it's set to type "Pictures". Are you saying that after closing and reopening the Properties it's back to "General items" or that it's displaying like General items despite being set to "Pictures"?

That first scenario would be correct, but now it is functioning correctly. This has been quite the journey and I'm glad I came here. I didn't expect doing random experiments than undoing them to being the fix.

Even the individual custom sorting per folder is working. So long as it isn't a library folder.

Edwin · Jun 8, 2024

I'm on Windows 26217.5000
I run Explorer in Win7 Command Bar mode within StartAllBack...,
I run this sequence once in each of the five folder types, plus Downloads and Recycle Bin...

Takes 5 minutes!
Nothing changes after that!

Takaani · Jun 8, 2024

Edwin said:
I'm on Windows 26217.5000
I run Explorer in Win7 Command Bar mode within StartAllBack...,
I run this sequence once in each of the five folder types, plus Downloads and Recycle Bin...

View attachment 98718

Takes 5 minutes!
Nothing changes after that!

Funnily enough I was just randomly trying stuff and that one stuck so I can verify that on my end. The normal optimize folder for X won't work on library folders but view -> apply to folders would.

Takaani · Jun 8, 2024

It seems like sort is back to resetting unless I apply it to the entire category. Would anyone know how to have individual sort settings per folder?

Edwin · Jun 8, 2024

Takaani said:
It seems like sort is back to resetting unless I apply it to the entire category. Would anyone know how to have individual sort settings per folder?

Set them individually per folder type.
For example:
I set all folder types to View-Medium Icons/Sort by-Name/Group by-None, except
Recycle Bin, I set it to View-Medium Icons/Sort by-Date Deleted/Group by-None.
It sticks!

Windows 11 Folder View Bugs

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