Files in a folder have the same headers as the folder

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Files in a folder have the same headers as the folder

B Beauregard 40

I know how to change folder headers, but I want the files in the folder to have the same headers. Name, Date created, year, size

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Answer 1

Clary-N 16,465 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi B Beauregard,

I understand that you’d like the files inside a folder to show the same headers (such as Name, Date created, Year, Size). I’m happy to clarify how this works and help you set it up.

Windows doesn’t automatically copy the header layout from a parent folder to its subfolders. Instead, it saves the column layout based on the folder type, which is why different folders can show different headers.

You can make them consistent by setting the layout once and applying it:

Open a folder and switch to Details view
Right‑click the column header to add/remove fields (Name, Date created, Year, Size, etc.)
Arrange them as you prefer
Click the… (three dots) menu > Options
Go to the View tab > click Apply to folders > OK

This applies the same layout to other folders of the same type.

If some folders still look different, they may be using a different folder type. You can align them by:

Right‑click the folder > Properties > Customize
Set Optimize this folder for: General items
Check Also apply this template to all subfolders, then click OK

To assist you further, could you please share your Windows version?
You can check by pressing Windows + R, typing winver and sending a screenshot of the result.

Also, I noticed the AI answer suggested earlier in the thread. If you haven’t already, please feel free to give it a try as well.

I hope this points you in the right direction. If anything still doesn’t behave as expected, just let me know and I’ll be happy to help further.

If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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Clary-N 16,465 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-05-30T04:35:39.5166667+00:00

Hi B Beauregard,

Have you had a chance to review my answer? I noticed that you accepted the AI suggestion.

If you have any questions or need further help, feel free to leave a comment here. I’m happy to assist.
B Beauregard 40 Reputation points

2026-06-03T12:40:23.4566667+00:00

I have reviewed your answer. First, I am using Windows 10. I have the extension for support until October 2026, so I will be upgrading my PC soon.

I am working with MP3 music files from my 650 or so vinyl albums. All of the albums have been digitized to wave files cleaned up, cut up into tracks and turned into MP3 files. Each band has its own folder into which each of their albums is placed. These are general folders which are sub folders under the master Music Folder. Sorry if that is too much information.

What I am trying to accomplish is to make all of the band folders (the sub folders) have the same headers. I did this before by doing each folder individually.

It appears your suggestion would work for me with one caveat: Would ALL of the general folders through out my entire PC have their headers changed?

Thank you for taking the time to help me with this problem.
Clary-N 16,465 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-06-04T08:09:12.24+00:00

Hi B Beauregard,

Thank you for the detailed explanation, it really helps and your setup actually sounds very well organized.

To answer your main question: no, this won’t change every folder across your entire PC.

When you use “Apply to folders”, Windows only applies that layout to folders that use the same template type (for example, Music or General items). It doesn’t affect unrelated folders like Documents or Pictures unless they’re using that same template.

In your case, since you’re working with MP3 files under your main Music folder, those band folders are very likely already using the Music template. So if you set up your columns once in one folder and then click Apply to folders, it should carry over to other folders that Windows sees as the same type.

The key is consistency. As long as all your band folders are using the same template (either Music or General items), they’ll follow the same column layout. If a few folders don’t match, it usually means Windows has assigned them a different template and that’s when adjusting the folder type helps.

So overall, your approach should work well and save you from having to set each folder individually again, just without affecting everything else on your system.

I hope that clears things up a bit. If you notice any folders still behaving differently, feel free to let me know and we can take a closer look together.
Clary-N 16,465 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-06-05T07:41:11.53+00:00

Hi B Beauregard,

Have you had a chance to check my answer yet?

Please let me know if there is anything I can help by leaving your comment down here.

Answer 2

In Windows, folder view settings (including which columns/headers are shown) can be applied to all folders of the same type, but not directly to individual files. Files simply appear in the folder view and use whatever columns that folder is configured to show.

To have all folders show the same headers (Name, Date created, Year, Size), configure one folder the way you want and then apply that view to all folders of that type. If built‑in options are not sufficient in Windows 11, a third‑party tool such as WinSetView can be used to standardize folder views across the system, as suggested here: https://lesferch.github.io/WinSetView/.

There is no separate per‑file header configuration; files inherit the folder’s view settings.

References:

Windows 11 - how do I set default view for details (other thread solutions don't work or Windows 11) - Microsoft Q&A