How to Reset Icon View to Default Settings

Windows Explorer, the file management tool that comes standard with Windows operating systems, offers users a variety of views including icon view. ...

Sometimes, you might find yourself needing to reset the icon view settings to their default state. This can be particularly useful when you're working on multiple computers and want your icons back to a known good configuration or if you've customized the view in a way that makes it difficult to navigate through files efficiently. Here’s how you can easily reset the icon view in Windows Explorer:

1. Understanding Default Settings
2. Steps to Reset Icon View:
3. Benefits of Resetting to Default Settings
4. Conclusion

1.) Understanding Default Settings

Before we dive into resetting the settings, let's briefly understand what default settings mean in this context. The 'default settings' refer to the original configurations provided by Microsoft for displaying icons and information about files and folders. These settings are intended to ensure a balance between visual organization and usability.

2.) Steps to Reset Icon View:

Step 1: Open File Explorer

The first step is to open Windows Explorer. You can do this by pressing `Win + E` on your keyboard, or you can find it in the Start menu.

Step 2: Navigate to Folder Options

Once the File Explorer window opens, click on the "Organize" tab located at the top of the window and then select "Folder and search options."

Step 3: Access View Tab

In the Folder Options dialog box that appears, navigate to the "View" tab. This tab is where you can customize how files and folders are displayed in Windows Explorer.

Step 4: Reset Icon Settings

At the bottom of the "View" tab, there will be an option labeled "Reset all to default." Click on this button to reset your icon view settings to their original defaults. A confirmation dialog box might appear; click "Yes" if it does to confirm the resetting process.

Step 5: Apply and OK

After clicking 'Reset', a message will pop up confirming that you have successfully reset the folder options. Click 'OK' on this window as well, or simply close all open windows by pressing 'Cancel' if you don’t need to save any changes you made during your customization process.

Step 6: Enjoy Your New Setup!

After resetting the settings, your Windows Explorer should now display icons in a default manner suitable for most users and compatible with various system configurations.

3.) Benefits of Resetting to Default Settings

- Clarity: It simplifies the interface by removing any unnecessary customizations that might have been causing visual clutter or confusion.

- Consistency Across Computers: If you frequently use multiple computers, resetting ensures consistency in how icons are displayed regardless of where they are accessed.

- Performance: A clean slate can sometimes improve system performance and responsiveness if excessive customization was affecting it negatively.

4.) Conclusion

Resetting the icon view settings to default is a quick and straightforward process that helps maintain order and clarity in your file management experience within Windows Explorer. It’s particularly useful for users who have extensively customized their views or those new to using Windows Explorer, as it provides an immediate starting point with minimal distractions.

How to Reset Icon View to Default Settings