Sorting Folders and Files, but Not Separating Folders FROM Files?

I feel like we're talking past each other here, and I want to try to discuss from the ground up.   

I'm using Windows 11 version 24H2.    I do not use the explicit "group by" feature in File Explorer - and I am fairly confident that this feature plays no part in the trouble I am having.  When you use the group by feature, groups of files are separated from each other by big, collapsable group headers -- and I am not seeing those.

When I open a File Explorer window for a particular directory/folder (in details mode) and sort by name, starting at the top I first see all sub-folders sorted from A-Z, and only after all folders are listed do I begin seeing files, all sorted separately from A-Z.   This annoying behavior is the default on my current PC, and it has been for every Windows installation I have ever used.

I want to eliminate this segregation, not just for individual folders, but altogether.  All directory items should be sorted in a single A-Z list with files and sub-folders treated as peers.  I want file "Bravo" to sort between folders "Alpha" and "Charlie".

Things that I've seen suggested that do not work for me:

Shift-clicking column headers to alter the sort order.   This does literally nothing as far as I can tell, not even causing a re-sort.   Folders and files remain separate.

Clicking the "View" tab in File Explorer and looking for anything germane.   My View tab has only these choices:  Extra Large Icons, Large Icons, Medium Icons, Small Icons, List, Details, Tiles, Content, Details Pane, Preview Pane, Show.  Nothing at all about sub-folders (maybe that went away after Win 10?).

It shouldn't be necessary to use a 3rd-party app to sort directory entries alphabetically, and never mind whether they are files or sub-directories -- but it's starting to sound like Win11 just won't do it.  Anyone have another thought?