If you are using the Details view for files and folders in File Explorer, you can change the width of all columns to fit their contents. This will improve your productivity and save a lot of time when you have to deal with columns and tables.
First of all, open File Explorer. Click the View tab of the Ribbon, and enable the "Details" view:
Alternatively, you can right click the column title bar row. In the context menu of the column title bar, you will find a couple of commands.
Tip: You can add Size All Columns To Fit to the context Menu In Windows 10. If you are using the Details view for files and folders in File Explorer, this will improve your productivity and save a lot of time when you have to deal with columns and tables.
Finally, you can use a secret keyboard shortcut. Click on any file or folder and press Ctrl + + hotkeys (Ctrl and the plus key) on your keyboard. All columns will be resized to fit!
Note that you may have to press the '+' key on the numeric keypad of your keyboard. If you have a keyboard without a dedicated numeric keypad as some laptops have, then you may need to use the Fn key along with Ctrl to input the '+' key correctly. The + key on the key with the 'equals to' sign (=) does not work for this trick.
This handy trick works in many places and apps in Windows. It is applicable to Windows Explorer in Windows XP as well.
For example, you can use it in the Registry Editor app to resize the columns in the right pane.
If you are not happy with the new Task Manager, get the old one back using this tutorial: How to restore the good old Task Manager in Windows 10.
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In Windows XP there is a Registry trick which allows to make the folder icons bigger in the Details view in File Explorer. This hack seems not to work in Windows 10.
Is there any other way to make the folder icons bigger in the Details view?
What used to work was placing the cursor on one column division in the header then holding Shift and double clicking. Why did Microsoft take that away?
Thanks for the Ctrl + ‘+’ shortcut key!! AWESOME!!!
You’re most welcome Daniel
Lovely, but is it somehow possible to set “size all columns to fit” as the DEFAULT for File Explorer!!!???
I fear the answer is NO. Even in 2021!!
Why is it NOT ALREADY THE DEFAULT? Who the EFF DOESN’T need to see the entire names of files when they are working?
So this means I will spend the next 20 years – like the last 20 effing years – having to hit “Size all columns to fit” a million times every god-damned effing time I have to use &/(§$% File Explorer.
I can’t express how stupid I think the people are who “design” File Explorer.
If only there was a way to make Windows 10 permanently remember the column widths of all folders. I’ve tried the registry changes which are supposed to increase the number of total folders for which Windows file explorer can remember custom views/column widths. Nevertheless, I routinely have to use Ctrl + to autofit column widths because Windows has forgotten them from the last time I did it. I’ve yet to find a solution to this and apparently so have many others. If you know a solution, you’d surely make a LOT of people happy. Cheers!
I found a way to default the size of the columns. Right click the column you want to resize. Select “More…”. At the bottom Change the Width of selected column (in pixels). I changed the file name column to 600. Once you you get the size you want, select the “View” tab at the top and click on “Options”. Select the “Change folder and search options”. Choose the “View” tab in the new window. Then select “Apply to Folders” and click “Yes” and then “OK”. It worked for all of my folders. Best thing ever!!!