How to Change the Width of Columns in Windows Explorer
InformationThis will show you how to change the width of columns that display details about files in a folder in Windows Explorer.
You will need to have the folder in Windows Explorer displayed with Details view to have columns displayed.
Note
- In Libraries, column width changes are applied to all included folders in the library.
- In Windows Explorer, column changes are only applied to that specific folder and the specific location it was opened from (ex: Start menu vs Windows Explorer), and will not be applied to any other folder unless Apply to Folders is used, or it is used to set a default for all folders.
OPTION ONETo Automatically Size Columns to Fit in Windows Explorer
1. In Windows Explorer, open the folder that you want to change the width of columns in.
2. To "Size Column to Fit"
NOTE: This will only adjust the width of a selected column to only be as wide as the longest text (ex: file name) in that column.
3. To "Size All Columns to Fit"
NOTE: This will adjust the width of all columns in the open folder to only be as wide as the longest text in each column.
A) Right click on the column bar and click on Size All Columns to Fit. (see screenshot above)
OPTION TWOTo Manually Enter Column Width in Pixels
NOTE: You will only be able to set the column width to a minimum of 80 (except 40 for the # column) pixels. If you enter a pixel value below 80 it will just default back to 80 (except 40 for the # column) pixels.
1. In Windows Explorer, open the folder that you want to change the width of columns in.
2. Right click on the column bar and click on More. (see screenshot below)
3. Under Details, select (highlight) a column that you want to change the width of, enter how many pixels wide you want the column to be. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: Only the checked columns are displayed for the folder in Windows Explorer.
4. Repeat step 3 for any other columns that you want to change the width of. When finished, click on OK. (see screenshot above)
OPTION THREETo Manually Drag the Column Border to Adjust Width
1. In Windows Explorer, open the folder that you want to change the width of columns in.That's it,
2. Move and hover the mouse pointer over the border line on the column bar to the right of the column that you want to change the width of until it turns into a cross with double horizontal arrows. (see screeshot below)
3. Left click and hold, then drag the column border to the left and right to adjust it's width to what you would like it to be. Release left click when finished adjusting width.
Shawn
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