Folder/file sort is driving me nuts

Even though it's not listed in the droplist on the Customize tab, Downloads now has its own FolderType, {885a186e-a440-4ada-812b-db871b942259}, found in the Registry under:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes
Like the other FolderTypes, the default view for the type can be customized & saved by a user using Apply to Folders.


Run this bit of PowerShell to delete any saved dialog views that used the Downloads type:

Code:

$Bags = 'HKCU:\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags'
$DLID = '{885A186E-A440-4ADA-812B-DB871B942259}'
(Get-ChildItem $bags -recurse | ? PSChildName -eq $DLID ) | Remove-Item
gps explorer | spps

Mr. Keith, you are indeed a guru,too. You wouldn't believe how long I searched the registry and I eventually finally found that but that registry value meant nothing to me. I was looking for something straightforward but it rarely ever is. Thank you. Have a merry and safe Christmas.

lgentry said:

Now, I know my little issue is not too big of a deal but it's driving me batty because I'm a stickler for file and folder maintenance. Here's what I want but cannot accomplish. I want file explorer systemwide to sort with FOLDERS FIRST followed by files, all alphabetically. I somehow managed to get this result in my Documents folder by setting as follows:
VIEW-Details
Sort by -Name Ascending
Group by -None
I then went to folder and search options and 'set as default'. However, my Downloads folder is still sorted alphabetically with files and folders all mixed together. So while in Downloads folder I set view options exactly like I did in Documents folder but nothing changed.
The weird thing is my Music and PICTURES folders have always sorted the way I want without me changing anything as do all the files and folders at root of C: and on any external device I plug in. It's only the Downloads folder that is contrary.
Has this got something to do with that update a year or so ago that changed the layout of the downloads folder to sort by date? That got on my nerves bad. Hope everyone has a safe and very Merry Christmas.

Not a solution for File Explorer itself, But I stopped using it for various reasons like most Microsoft software, usually their software is just so Basic..lol. Anyway a suggestion, I have tried probably 20 different replacements and between customizations in general and theme changing abilities as well, Free Commander(and it is FREE) is what is use, and it sorts Folders first then files in alphabetical order automatically. Just a suggestion.