Unlock the Secret- Prioritize Folders in Windows Explorer for Enhanced Organization

How to Make Folders Appear First in Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is a widely used file management tool in the Windows operating system. It allows users to navigate through their files and folders with ease. However, sometimes you may find that certain folders are not appearing at the top of the list in Windows Explorer. In this article, we will discuss how to make folders appear first in Windows Explorer, ensuring that you can access your most frequently used folders with minimal effort.

1. Use the “Sort by” feature

One of the simplest ways to make folders appear first in Windows Explorer is by using the “Sort by” feature. This feature allows you to sort the folders based on various criteria, such as name, date, size, and type. To use this feature, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder list.
2. Click on the “Sort by” dropdown menu located at the top of the window.
3. Select the desired sorting criterion from the list. For example, if you want to sort the folders by name, select “Name.”
4. The folders will now be sorted based on the selected criterion. The folders you want to appear first will be at the top of the list.

2. Change the folder view settings

Another way to make folders appear first in Windows Explorer is by changing the folder view settings. This method involves customizing the folder view to prioritize the folders you want to appear at the top. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder list.
2. Right-click on any folder in the list and select “Properties” from the context menu.
3. In the “Properties” window, go to the “View” tab.
4. Check the box next to “Always show icons, never thumbnails” to disable the thumbnail view.
5. Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
6. Right-click on the folder you want to appear first and select “Pin to Start of Folder List.”
7. Repeat the process for other folders you want to prioritize.

3. Create a custom folder list

If you frequently access certain folders, you can create a custom folder list in Windows Explorer to make them appear first. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder list.
2. Right-click on an empty space in the folder list and select “New” > “Folder.”
3. Name the new folder, for example, “Frequent Folders.”
4. Right-click on the “Frequent Folders” folder and select “Properties.”
5. In the “Properties” window, go to the “View” tab.
6. Check the box next to “Show in this folder list” and click “Apply” and then “OK.”
7. Drag and drop the folders you want to appear first into the “Frequent Folders” folder.

By following these methods, you can make folders appear first in Windows Explorer, making it easier to access your most important files and folders.