I want to show sub-folder documents in file explorer


  1. Posts : 10
    Win 10 - 1909
       #1

    I want to show sub-folder documents in file explorer


    I am setting up libraries in Windows 10 version 1909. In Windows 7 I had 4 top-level folder locations in my Documents library, most have subfolders.

    When I view my Document library in Windows 7 File Explorer, I display using Detail view, grouped and sorted by modified date. It shows all documents in all Library locations, including sub folders. I add the 'Folder Path' column to see which subfolder has the document.

    In Windows 10 File Explorer, I can see documents in the top-level folders only, I can not see contents of sub-folders. How can I get this to work for me in Windows 10 like it did in Windows 7?

    I tried, but could not find this question asked before.
    Thanks!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 14,022
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #2

    On the left sides of folder names in the Navigation pane is a small arrow, sometimes hard to see. Clicking that arrow expands or collapses the list of subfolders.
    I want to show sub-folder documents in file explorer-image.png
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 1,223
    W10-Pro 22H2
       #3

    Berton said:
    On the left sides of folder names in the Navigation pane is a small arrow, sometimes hard to see.
    Because MS in their infinite wisdon choose to hide it after a short while - why on earth they do that I have no idea - morons. I suppose I could go looking to see if they have finally provided a way to stop that (as they did with the equally-moronic hiding of scroll bars) - but can I be bothered? One wonders in what way hiding a useful control helps - to keep the window uncluttered? Answers on a very small postcard.
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  4. Posts : 10
    Win 10 - 1909
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks for your replies, but the folder heirarchy in the Navigation pane is not the issue here. It is the file details shown in the main pane. I have booted back into my W7 system. This Windows 7 screen shot shows that files from multiple library folders, including sub-folders are all displayed together. This is not the result of a search operation, just the initial display when selecting my documents library in the navigation pane. I can't recall if I selected an option to include sub-folders in Win 7, I can't see that type of control in either Win 7 or Win 10. If I am displaying a folder in File Explorer, but not as part of the Library heirarchy, sub-folder files are not shown.

    I now notice Library pane with the Arrange By option above the main pane. I will go back and look for this in Win 10.

    I want to show sub-folder documents in file explorer-w7exp.jpg
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  5. Posts : 14,022
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #5

    Basics: click any column heading to change the lineup, right-click any column heading to add or remove columns, will get a list. Such displays appear much like a spreadsheet or database.
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  6. Posts : 10
    Win 10 - 1909
    Thread Starter
       #6

    I have resolved my problem.... In Windows 10, if I right-click an empty area in the main display pane, and select Arrange By > Date Modified in the context menu, it now behaves how I expect. I notice that the Arrange By option is only available on the context menu when using the library hierarchy.

    I want to show sub-folder documents in file explorer-w10exp.png

    - - - Updated - - -
    @Berton - Thanks, I already knew how to select and adjust column headings. I have added the Folder Path Column.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,223
    W10-Pro 22H2
       #7

    Sorry - I don't use libraries at all, so had no idea they behaved like that. I can see why they do it, as the concept of viewing by folder makes no sense when multiple folders are being collected together. I was just wingeing about MS sillly UI ideas.
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