Understanding the Sorting Change
Recent updates to Windows 10 and Windows 11 introduced a feature known as FlipFlopView. This feature automatically reorders items in File Explorer so that files are listed before folders when using default sorting criteria like Name or Date Modified. While Microsoft intended this to help users quickly access documents and media, many power users and IT administrators find it disruptive to workflows that rely on navigating directory structures first.
The old behavior is often preferred because it groups all subdirectories together at the top of a list, making it easier to scan for new directories rather than sifting through individual files. Restoring this requires a manual intervention since there is no simple toggle in the modern Settings app or Explorer ribbon. You will need to edit the Windows Registry to tell the system to ignore the new flipping logic.
Step-by-Step Registry Fix
To fix this issue, you must create a new DWORD value in the registry. Follow these steps carefully to ensure the change is applied correctly across your user profile.
- Open the Registry Editor: Press
Win + Ron your keyboard to open the Run dialog. Typeregeditand press Enter. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow administrative privileges. - Navigate to the Key: In the left-hand pane, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced - Create the Value: Right-click on the
Advancedfolder (key) in the left pane. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new value exactlyFlipFlopView. - Set the Data: Double-click the newly created
FlipFlopViewentry. Ensure the Base is set to Hexadecimal. Set the Value data to0. Click OK to save. - Restart Explorer: The change does not take effect immediately. You must restart File Explorer. Open Task Manager (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc), find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab, right-click it, and select Restart. Alternatively, you can simply reboot your computer.
After restarting, open any folder and sort by Name. You should notice that all subdirectories now appear above all files, matching the legacy behavior. This setting applies to the current user account. If you have multiple user profiles on the machine, you may need to repeat this process for each user who requires the old sorting order.
Why This Setting Matters
For developers and system administrators, consistent sorting is crucial for scripting and batch operations. When folders are mixed with files, automated tools might inadvertently process a file instead of a directory if they iterate through a list sequentially. By enforcing folders-first sorting, you reduce the risk of such errors in manual audits or scripted deployments.
Additionally, this change improves visual clarity in large project directories. When working with source code repositories or complex asset libraries, seeing the structure (folders) first allows for faster mental mapping of the hierarchy. Files are then examined within their respective contexts. This method aligns better with how humans naturally organize information hierarchically.
Reverting the Change
If you decide that the new Windows sorting behavior is preferable, you can easily reverse this modification. Return to the same registry path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced. Delete the FlipFlopView DWORD value you created. Once deleted, restart File Explorer again. Windows will revert to its default algorithm, which places files before folders in most standard views.
It is worth noting that while this registry tweak works reliably on Windows 10 and Windows 11, major version upgrades sometimes reset explorer settings. If you upgrade your OS and find folders appearing after files again, you may need to recreate the FlipFlopView key. Always back up your registry before making changes, although creating a single DWORD is generally low-risk.
Related Configuration Tips
If you are customizing your File Explorer experience further, you might also want to adjust how hidden files are displayed or how default folders are handled. For instance, some users prefer to disable special folder styles that group music or photos automatically. You can learn more about managing those specific view styles by reading our guide on Disabling Explorer's Music Style Folders Containing MP3 Files in Windows. Additionally, if you frequently need to manage large numbers of empty directories as part of your cleanup routines, understanding efficient deletion methods is essential. Check out Batch Delete Empty Folders in Windows for advanced techniques on handling directory clutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this fix apply to network drives?
Yes, the FlipFlopView registry setting affects how File Explorer renders views locally and over mapped network drives. However, if the remote server enforces its own sorting rules via SMB protocols, local overrides might be ignored in rare edge cases.
Will this change affect my desktop icons?
No, this registry key specifically targets the File Explorer window views for folders. Your Desktop icon arrangement remains controlled by separate settings in the View menu or the Display settings, unless you explicitly link them.
Can I use PowerShell to apply this fix?
Yes, you can automate this using PowerShell. Use the command New-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" -Name "FlipFlopView" -Value 0 -PropertyType DWORD to create the key without manually opening regedit.
What happens if I set FlipFlopView to 1?
Setting the value to 1 explicitly enables the new Windows sorting behavior, ensuring files appear before folders. If you delete the key entirely, Windows defaults to its current standard, which typically behaves as if the value were 1 in recent builds.
Does this work on Windows 7 or 8?
This specific registry key was introduced to address the sorting flip in Windows 10. Older operating systems did not have the FlipFlopView feature, so this key is irrelevant for Windows 7 or 8.1, which already defaulted to folders-first sorting.