Windows 10 automatically arranges your folders and files in a grid. This feature helps keep everything neat but can sometimes be frustrating if you want to place files exactly where you like.
Disabling auto arrange allows you to freely move items within a folder without Windows rearranging them automatically. This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step instructions to turn off auto arrange.
Follow along carefully to ensure your folder layout stays exactly how you want. No prior technical knowledge is needed.
Let’s get started and take control of your folder organization in Windows 10.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Make sure you are logged in with an account that has administrative privileges. Some changes require admin rights to apply.
- Auto arrange is only active in certain folder views like “Details” and “Tiles”. It may not affect all folder types the same way.
- Backing up your current folder settings or system restore point is a good idea in case you want to revert changes later.
- This guide focuses on disabling auto arrange for folders displayed in icon view, which is where it is most noticeable.
Step 1: Open the Folder Where You Want to Disable Auto Arrange
Navigate to the folder on your PC where you want to turn off auto arrange. This is usually a folder where you like to manually position your files and folders.
Opening the folder first is important because the setting will be applied to that specific folder view.
Step 2: Change the Folder View to “Icons”
Windows disables manual arrangement in certain views like “Details” or “List”. To disable auto arrange, you need to be in an icon-based view.
To do this:
- Right-click inside the folder, but not on a file or folder.
- Hover over View in the context menu.
- Select either Large icons, Medium icons, or Small icons.
Using icon view allows you to freely move items around once auto arrange is disabled.
Step 3: Use Registry Editor to Disable Auto Arrange
Windows 10 does not provide a simple toggle in the folder options to disable auto arrange. Instead, you must edit the Windows Registry.
Important: Editing the registry can affect your system. Follow these steps carefully and back up your registry before proceeding.
- Press
Windows key + Rto open the Run dialog. - Type
regeditand press Enter. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control. - In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREClassesLocal SettingsSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsShell - Right-click on the
Shellfolder, select New > Key, and name itBagsif it does not already exist. - Inside
Bags, create another key namedAllFolders. - Within
AllFolders, create a key namedShell. - Select the
Shellkey you just created. In the right pane, right-click and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. - Name this new value
FFlagsand set its value data to43000001(make sure to select Hexadecimal). - Close the Registry Editor.
This registry modification disables auto arrange in all folders using the icon view, allowing you to manually arrange files.
Step 4: Restart Windows Explorer to Apply Changes
For the changes to take effect, you need to restart Windows Explorer:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager. - Under the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
After Explorer restarts, open your folder again and try moving items freely without them snapping back.
Alternative Method: Use a Third-Party Tool
If you prefer not to edit the registry manually, some third-party tools can help disable auto arrange. Tools like “Winaero Tweaker” provide a graphical interface for these tweaks.
These tools simplify the process but always download software from trusted sources to avoid security risks.
FAQs
Can I disable auto arrange for all folders at once?
Yes. The registry method described applies the change globally for all folders using icon view. However, some folder types may still override this behavior.
Will this affect how files are sorted?
No. This change only stops Windows from automatically rearranging icons after you manually move them. Sorting options like by name or date remain available.
What if I want to revert the changes?
Simply delete the FFlags DWORD value or restore your registry backup. Restart Windows Explorer afterward.
Does this work on Windows 11?
This method is specific to Windows 10. Windows 11 has different folder behavior, and auto arrange cannot be disabled as easily.
Why can’t I move files freely in some folders?
Auto arrange only works in certain views. Make sure you are in an icon view like “Large icons” to move files manually.
When Nothing Works
If you find that auto arrange still cannot be disabled after following these steps, consider the following:
- Double-check that you edited the registry correctly and restarted Explorer.
- Try resetting the folder view settings using the Folder Options control panel.
- Look for group policies or third-party software that might enforce folder layouts.
- Visit the official Microsoft support site or community forums for additional help:
Conclusion
Disabling auto arrange in Windows 10 can give you more control over how your files and folders are displayed. By switching to icon view and modifying the registry, you can place your files exactly where you want.
Always proceed with caution when editing system settings and make backups to protect your data. With these steps, you should be able to customize your folder arrangement to better suit your workflow.
Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and enjoy a more personalized Windows experience.