Disable Auto Arrange in Windows Explorer

Chronia · 29 Nov 2015

First off I used the forum search function and didn't fins any threads addressing this issue so I apologize in advance if this is a duplicated topic and I somehow missed it.

I have disliked this "feature" since windows 7 and I see they still have not restored the ability to manually sort without having to give every file a "tag". Note: I do not want to use windows live essentials as I hate photo gallery, so this is not an option. I used to be able to arrange my photos by dragging and dropping them next to another similar photo and it would snap to grid where I dropped it. This helps me eliminate duplicate pictures. I found this ink for windows 7:

Windows Explorer Auto Arrange - Disable - Windows 7 Help Forums

However it says very clearly at the beginning not to use it for any other OS versions. Does any one know if this works for windows 10 as well or if there is a way to do it in windows 10? I would prefer a 3rd party program as oppose to editing my registry if it can be helped (all the things that need "fixing" for customization in windows 10 seem to always suggest a reg fix, but I am afraid to edit my registry too much).

I appreciate any help.

Brink · 29 Nov 2015

Hello Chronia, :)

Here's the Window 10 version of that tutorial.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...dows-10-a.html

If you like, we have an extensive Tutorials section here.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/

Windows 10 Tutorial Index

Chronia · 29 Nov 2015

Brink said:

Hello Chronia, :)

Here's the Window 10 version of that tutorial.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1...dows-10-a.html

If you like, we have an extensive Tutorials section here.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/

Windows 10 Tutorial Index

Thanks for the info. The only problem with the first link is that is seems to only allow you to disable auto arrange of icons within certain views. I would like to disable it for all views. I also do not want to disable the snap to grid option, as this is actually useful. Since I am using it for pictures it does not make sense to be stuck in details view. Also since I am using it for pictures I usually need the thumbnails to be large or somewhere between large and extra large, so I need to be able to customize the icon size and still be able to disable the auto arrange. Any suggestions for that?

Brink · 29 Nov 2015

It works the same as it did in Windows 7 as for what you can do in certain views. The blue note box at the top of the tutorial will give you more details about that part.

When you disable auto arrange, you're not stuck with it. You will still be able to toggle auto arrange on/off for specific folders, and change the view settings as usual. :)