Windows 7 - Numerical Sorting in Windows Explorer - Enable or Disable

   Information

This will allow you to enable or disable having file names sorted literally (as in Windows 2000 and earlier) rather than in numerical order in Windows 7.

If you disable numerical sorting, Windows Explorer will sort file names by each digit in a file name (for example, 111 < 22 < 3).

If you enable (default) numerical sorting, Windows Explorer will sort file names by increasing number value (for example, 3 < 22 < 111).

1. To Enable Numerical Sorting

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Enable_Numerical_Sorting.reg

B) Go to step 3.

2. To Disable Numerical Sorting

A) Click on the Download button below to download the file below.

Disable_Numerical_Sorting.reg

3. Click on Save, and save the .reg file to the desktop.

4. Right click on the downloaded .reg file and click on Merge.

5. Click on Run, Yes, Yes, and OK when prompted.

6. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.

7. When done, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.

1. Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Windows Explorer. (see screenshot below)

3. In the right pane, right click on Turn off numerical sorting in Windows Explorer and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)

4. To Enable Numerical Sorting

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

B) Go to step 6.

5. To Disable Numerical Sorting

A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)

6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)

7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.