Windows 7’s Folder Options control how File Explorer (then called Windows Explorer) looks and behaves: whether file extensions and hidden files show, whether folders open with one click or two, and how search works. This guide explains the most useful settings on each tab, how to open Folder Options, how to apply one view to every folder, and how to reset everything.
Quick Answer
Open any folder, press Alt to show the menu bar, and choose Tools > Folder options. Or click Organize > Folder and search options. The View tab holds the most important settings.
Open Folder Options
- In a folder: Organize > Folder and search options.
- Press Alt, then Tools > Folder options.
- Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options.
- Type folder options in the Start menu search box.
General Tab
- Browse folders: open each folder in the same window or a new one.
- Click items as follows: single-click to open (like a web link) or the default double-click.
- Navigation pane: Show all folders and Automatically expand to current folder make the left pane behave like the classic folder tree.
View Tab: The Settings Worth Changing
| Setting | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hide extensions for known file types | Uncheck | See real file types, and spot fake ones like invoice.pdf.exe |
| Hidden files and folders | Show when troubleshooting | Reveals AppData and other hidden folders |
| Hide protected operating system files | Keep checked | Protects critical Windows files from accidental changes |
| Display the full path in the title bar | Check | Shows exactly where you are |
| Use check boxes to select items | Optional | Easier multi-select on touchscreens |
| Always show icons, never thumbnails | Check on slow PCs | Speeds up folders with many images |
| Launch folder windows in a separate process | Optional | Keeps one crashed window from closing the others |
Apply One View to All Folders
- Open a folder and set the view you want, such as Details, with the columns you like.
- Open Folder Options > View.
- Click Apply to Folders and confirm.
It applies to folders of the same type (General items, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos). Click Reset Folders to undo.
Search Tab
- What to search: choose whether to search file contents in non-indexed locations (slower but thorough).
- How to search: options for subfolders, partial matches and natural language search.
- When searching non-indexed locations: include system directories or compressed files.
To add locations to the index, use Control Panel > Indexing Options.
Reset Folder Options
Click Restore Defaults on each tab, then OK.
A Note on Windows 7
Windows 7 has been out of support since January 14, 2020, and no longer gets security updates. In Windows 10 and 11, these settings live in File Explorer Options (View > Options). See how to see hidden files on Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I see file extensions?
Hide extensions for known file types is checked by default. Uncheck it on the View tab.
Is it safe to show hidden files?
Yes, just be careful not to delete or move them. Keep protected operating system files hidden.
Summary
- Open Organize > Folder and search options.
- On View, show extensions and, when needed, hidden files.
- Use Apply to Folders for a consistent view.
- Restore Defaults to reset.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.