Reference number: CH001015

How can I change how files are displayed in Windows Explorer?

Question:

How can I change how files are displayed in Windows Explorer?

Answer:

1. Open My Computer or Explorer.
2. Click View at the top of the window.
3. Select Icons, Large Icons, Small Icons, List, Details, Tiles, or Thumbnails to change to the type of view you wish to see. We recommend "Details" for users not sure what to choose. Below is additional information about each of these types of views. Keep in mind each version of Windows is different and all of the below types of views are not available in all versions of Windows. If you do not see one of the below listed under view, your version of Windows does not support that type of view.

• Details - Our recommend type of view, details lists all the files in an easy to read format and also displays the size, type, and date modified in columns.
• Large Icons / Tiles - Display large icons of the files and folders with their names. Windows XP named this "Titles", in all previous versions of Windows this is named "Large Icons".
• Small Icons / Icons / List - Display small icons of the files and folders with their names. Windows XP named this "Icons", in all previous versions of Windows this is named "Small Icons".
• Thumbnails - Display large pictures of each of the files and folders in the directory. If the type of file is a image, movie, or other type of file that supports auto preview, you will see a picture of the file without even opening it. This is great for a directory containing photos.

Additional information:

• Additional information about how to keep Explorer or My Computer to display the files the same way each time you open a new window can be found on document CH000770.
• See our Explorer dictionary definition for additional information and related links to this term.