Forum Discussion
Sorting Folders and Files, but Not Separating Folders FROM Files?
Hello, I’m using Windows 11 and have a question about sorting folders and files.
Is there any way, either with Windows File Manager or any third-party utility, to sort folders and files by name, but NOT separating folders and files from each other?
For example, let’s say I have the following folders and files on my C drive. I want them sorted by name, but with the folders mixed in with the files.
Books
Movies
Music
Photos
Booklist.doc
Movies in Black and White.rtf
Musiclist.doc
Photolist.txt
Is there any way to sort this list by name, so the folders won’t be separate, at the top of the list, like this:
Booklist.doc
Books
Movies
Movies in Black and White.rtf
Music
Musiclist.doc
Photolist.txt
Photos
If there is a way to do this, what would be the best procedure? Thank you! J. Danniel
6 Replies
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?
On the right side of the toolbar at the top, you can find the "View" button. Click on it and choose "List" or "Details." These views are better for sorting.
You open up Windows File Explorer, and there it is: my C drive, looking like a hoarder’s nightmare. It’s like my files are having a ‘Come As You Are’ party, and the folders are like, “Nah, we’re too good for this—let’s separate.” Come on, folders! You’re just as guilty as my 8-year-old self, throwing toys all over the floor.
- 1.Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to sort.
2.In the ribbon, click on the "View" tab and check the box next to "Include subfolders" (if you haven't already).
3.Click on the "View" tab again and select "Sort by" from the dropdown menu.
4.In the "Sort by" dialog box, select "Name" from the dropdown menu.
5.Make sure the "Use folders" checkbox is unselected (this is key to not separating folders and files).This doesn't look at all like what's in my File Explorer Win 11. For example, I have separate Sort and View buttons in the ribbon. There is no Include Subfolders check box. There is no Sort By under the View button. Etc. So, I am quite confused.
I am in need of the same fix, but I also do not have a windows 11 that is described.
is there any other way to fix this?
