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Sort files by date modified, but folders always before files in Windows Explorer?

Fresh5 days ago
Mar 15, 2026186748 views
Confidence Score1%
1%

Problem

I can sort files and directories in Windows Explorer by . I always let recent files display first. But when I sort by date modified, directories are always displayed after the files. Is it possible to sort files by date modified, but display directories before files?

Error Output

date modified

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1 Fix

Canonical Fix
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New Fix – Awaiting Verification

Fix for: Sort files by date modified, but folders always before files in Windows Explorer?

Low Risk

First, put the directory into “Details” view mode (if it isn’t already) so you have column headings. If you click on the “Date Modified” heading, which will sort by Date Modified (descending), and then Shift+click on “Name”, it should remain sorted by Date Modified (descending), but with the folders at the top. Note: This is observed as not working while the “preview pane” is enabled (Windows 7). Simply disable the preview pane temporarily with Alt+P before sorting. The preview pane can then be…

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Environment