WinSetView is a free and open-source utility that was developed by LesFerch for desktop PCs. This file manager tool provides an easy way for users to set folder views in Windows Explorer. They can choose from its selection of various list views and have applied to a specific or across all folders.

Compared to other programs like Multi Commander, which provides an alternative to the built-in file explorer in Windows, WinSetView aims to be a complementary tool than a replacement. It lets users have more control over and options for folder views that the native app does not fully provide.

How do I use WinSetView?

To start, double-click on the .hta file and a GUI will appear wherein you can start configuring. The top row has view options, including Details, List, Tiles, etc. Next, you can Show File Extensions, enable No Grouping of files and folders, Make All Folders Generic (system folders), and Keep "Apply to Folders" Views to retain changes made using Windows Explorer.

For view options that feature columns, you can Set Global Column Headings for them. Some of the details that you can set include Date Modified, File Size, Item Type, Folder Name, Path, Attributes, and many more. You can also set the width for Name and Path Columns. Lastly, you can choose to apply Set views for "This PC" and "Network".

To apply all your change, click on the Submit button. The Last Run Settings will restore previous settings. Click on App Defaults to reset everything, and use Restore from Backup to load backups created by WinSetView. If you want to revert to Windows Explorer, you can click on the Reset Views to Windows Defaults option located at the very top.

A handy and useful tool

If you're the type of user who likes to have full control over how you manage and organize your files and folders, then, WinSetView is worth trying out. It addresses one of the long-standing quirks in Windows Explorer and does it flawlessly. If you're not satisfied with using it, you can completely reverse any changes you made.