To begin with, click Start > File Explorer or press Windows key + E and go to your Documents folder. File Explorer uses two default views: “Details” and “Large icons”. You can toggle by using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + 6 and Ctrl + Shift + 2.
My personal favorite way to visual files is the Details view, which sorts all my files in columns by name, date modified, type, and size. Detail view lets me easily click a column; hence I can group files according to any attribute.
For instance, if I want to view the latest or the oldest files, I can do so by clicking the column header. The name column lets you sort files and folders alphabetically. The Type and Size options groups files based on their respective application and file size on disk. Certainly, these are just the basics of what you can do with your files in File Explorer. Each column header includes hidden filters, which let you dig into each file; thus you can be specific about what you are looking for. The name column can filter files in alphabetical groups, date range, file types, and file sizes.
Columns widths are customizable as well. If you use long file names, you can resize the entire column manually to view a file name in its entirety. The Size Columns to Fit will automatically resize all columns so no detail is truncated.
The “Details view” is not limited to just these four columns. You are able to choose additional columns, too. Right-clicking on the column bar reveals additional attributes to choose from. If you click “More” at the bottom, you’ll discover a smorgasbord of attributes that you can use to sort files. Including writers, SAP ERP data, Assistant name, phone number, anniversary, and many more.
