Windows 7: Folder View - Apply to Folders

   Information

This will show you how to Apply to Folders a specific folder's folder view to all folders that have been optimized with the same folder template as it in Windows 7.

   Tip

If you would like to reset the changes applied to all folders back to the default folder view settings, then see: How to Reset the Folder View settings for All Folders in Windows 7

   Warning

The folder view of Computer, Favorites (not IE Favorites), and library folders cannot be applied to all folders.

The Apply to Folders button will be grayed out if Folder Options is opened in these folders.

1. Navigate to the folder that you want to apply it's folder views to all folders with the same folder template as it. (see screenshots below)
NOTE: For example, C:\Users\Public\Public Pictures\Sample Pictures that has the Pictures folder template by default.

2. Make any changes to the Group by, Sort by, Arrange by arrangement , Icon Size, column width, add/remove columns, or View arrangement in this folder that you would like to have applied to all folders with the same folder template as it. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: For example, I changed the Icon Size to Medium Icons, and to be Grouped by Names.

3. When done, open Folder Options from within this same folder (step 1) window and not through the Control Panel or from another folder. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: You would want to use either METHOD TWO or METHOD THREE at that link.

4. Click on the View tab, then click on the Apply to Folders button. (See sceenshot above)
NOTE: If the Apply to Folders button is grayed out, then you may have not opened Folder Options from within the same folder. See WARNING box at the top of the tutorial if you did for why it may still be grayed out.

5. Click on Yes to confirm. (See screenshot below)

6. Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 3)

7. Whenever you open any folder with the same folder template as the folder from step 1, you will now see it have the same folder view.
NOTE: This would be for all folders with the Pictures folder template for the example C:\Users\Public\Public Pictures\Sample Pictures folder that I have used in step 1.