How to Customise File Explorer Column Details and Folder Views in Windows 11

When browsing folders in Windows 11 File Explorer using the “Details” layout, the operating system defaults to four standard columns: Name, Date modified, Type, and Size. While this basic configuration suffices for standard text documents, it leaves much to be desired when navigating specialized directories like music libraries, high-resolution photo archives, or video projects. Windows 11 includes an extensive palette of metadata columns—including image dimensions, video bit rates, audio artists, and author tags—that you can customise and enforce universally across all folders.

Choosing the Right Metadata Columns for Your Workflow

Adding tailored metadata columns allows you to audit file characteristics without opening separate properties dialogues:

• Photography Folders: Add Dimensions, Date taken, and Camera model to sort snapshots by resolution or capture gear.
• Music & Podcasts: Add Contributing artists, Album, Track number, and Duration to sort audio tracks logically.
• Video Projects: Add Frame rate, Total bitrate, and Horizontal resolution to verify export settings at a glance.

How to Add and Remove Columns in File Explorer

Customising active column headers takes only a few clicks inside any open folder:

1. Open the folder in File Explorer and ensure the view is set to Details (click View > Details on the top toolbar).
2. Right-click on any existing column header (such as Name or Date modified).
3. A quick checklist of popular columns will appear; click on any item (such as Date created or Dimensions) to add or remove its tick.
4. To access hundreds of specialised attributes, click More at the very bottom of the pop-up menu.
5. In the Choose Details dialogue box, check the boxes next to your desired metadata fields.
6. Use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to rearrange the left-to-right order of the columns.
7. Click OK to apply your custom layout.

How to Apply a Custom View Layout to All Folders

By default, Windows only applies custom column changes to the currently viewed folder. To apply your ideal column configuration universally across all folders of that type:

1. With your customised folder open, click the three-dot (…) overflow menu icon on the top File Explorer toolbar.
2. Select Options to open the Folder Options dialogue.
3. Click on the View tab at the top.
4. In the Folder views section, click the Apply to Folders button.
5. Click Yes when prompted to confirm that you want all folders of this template type (e.g., General Items, Pictures, or Music) to match your custom view.
6. Click OK to close the dialogue.

Optimising Folder Template Types

If File Explorer treats your media folder like a generic text directory, changing its template unlocks appropriate sorting options:

1. Right-click an empty area inside the folder and select Properties.
2. Click the Customise tab.
3. Under Optimise this folder for, choose Pictures, Music, Videos, or Documents.
4. Check the box to Also apply this template to all subfolders and click Apply.