How to enable File Explorer Compact view on Windows 11

File Explorer now includes a new default layout experience, and you can switch to the classic layout with these steps.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
@Pureinfotech
Pureinfotech Logo
Windows 11 File Explorer Compact view
Windows 11 File Explorer Compact view
  • To enable Compact View, open File Explorer, open the “View” menu, and select the “Compact view” option.
  • Alternatively, open File Explorer, open the “See more” menu, and choose Options. In the View tab, check the “Decrease space between items (compact view)” option.

On Windows 11, File Explorer has a new default layout to view content that adds extra padding between the visual elements to make the experience easier to use, especially on touch-enabled devices.

However, if you like the more traditional experience, Windows 11 also adds an option to roll back to the classic compact view.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to switch back to the classic layout of File Explorer on Windows 11.

Enable Compact view on File Explorer

To use the classic Compact view on File Explorer, use these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer on Windows 11.

  2. Click the View menu from the command bar.

  3. Check the “Compact view” option to enable File Explorer compact view on Windows 11.

    File Explorer Compact view

Once you complete the steps, File Explorer will switch to the classic layout. In the same way, if you want to use the comfortable view with additional padding, follow the same instructions, and clear the “Compact view” option.

Enable Compact view from Folder Options

Alternatively, you can also enable the feature from the File Explorer Folder Options settings:

  1. Open File Explorer on Windows 11.

  2. Click the See more menu from the command bar and click on Options.

    File Explorer open Folder Options

  3. Click the View tab.

  4. Check the “Decrease space between items (compact view)” option.

    Folder Options compact view

  5. Click the Apply button.

  6. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, File Explorer will switch to the legacy layout with less padding around the items on Windows 11. 

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].