File Explorer Keeps Resetting Sort Order? How to Stop it

Reset the folder type view settings to troubleshoot this issue

4 min. read

Updated onSeptember 12, 2024

updated onSeptember 12, 2024

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Many Windows users have complained that File Explorer keeps resetting sort order even after setting it several times. This issue makes navigating folders difficult, and it can take time to reselect sort preferences each time.

However, the pressing question for several of our readers is how to stop Windows 11 from reverting folder sort order. Hence, this article will discuss the steps for fixing the issue.

Why did my Windows go back to the default sort order?

Nevertheless, we’ll take you through some detailed steps for fixing the issue as you read further into this article.

How do I stop Windows 11 from reverting to default sort settings?

Before trying any troubleshooting steps for the File Explorer that keeps resetting sort order, apply the following:

We recommend you proceed with the solutions highlighted below if the issue persists:

1. Increase the BagMRU size in the Registry Editor

The above steps will increase the folder type view settings and allow Windows to remember the settings for more than 10,000 folders.

Keep in mind that changing certain settings can cause crashes, so be sure to check our guide onFile Explorer crashingon your computer.

2. Reset the folder type view settings

Resetting the folder type view settings will return previous settings to their default form and clear any changes reverting the sort order to default.

3. Select Apply to folders

These steps will apply the settings to the concerned folder and prevent the folder from resetting its sort order.

How do I turn off auto-sort in Windows 11?

It will disable any automatic sorting in the folder on Windows 11.

Alternatively, you may be interested in our guide for fixing theFile Explorer preview pane not workingon Windows PCs.

We also have a useful guide on how tosort files and folders together in Windows 11, so don’t miss it for more useful information.

This isn’t the only issue you can encounter, and many reported thatsort by date modified is not working in Windows 11, but we already covered that in another guide.

Should you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.

File Explorer Keeps Resetting Sort Order? How to Stop it#

Why did my Windows go back to the default sort order?#

How do I stop Windows 11 from reverting to default sort settings?#

1. Increase the BagMRU size in the Registry Editor#

2. Reset the folder type view settings#

3. Select Apply to folders#

How do I turn off auto-sort in Windows 11?#