Sorting files by type in Windows 10 File Explorer is a quick way to group similar files together, making it easier to find what you're looking for. You can achieve this by using the built-in sorting options available when viewing files in details mode.
To sort your files by type, follow these simple steps:
- Open File Explorer: Navigate to the folder containing the files you want to sort.
- Ensure Details View: Make sure you are in the "Details" view. If not, go to the "View" tab in the ribbon and select "Details". This view provides columns for Name, Date Modified, Type, Size, and other file properties.
- Right-Click to Sort: As stated in the reference, right-click in an open area of the details pane within the folder window. This will bring up a pop-up menu.
- Select "Sort By": From the pop-up menu, select the Sort By option.
- Choose "Type": A sub-menu will appear listing various sorting criteria. Select Type from this list.
Your files and folders will now be sorted alphabetically based on their file type extension (e.g., .docx, .pdf, .jpg, .txt). Folders are typically listed first, followed by files sorted by type.
Alternatively, when in Details view, you can simply click directly on the "Type" column header. Clicking once sorts by type ascending (A-Z), and clicking again sorts by type descending (Z-A).
Understanding Sorting Options
Windows File Explorer offers several ways to organize your files besides just by Type. Here's a quick overview of the common sorting options you'll find in the Sort By menu or as column headers:
| Option | Description | Sorting Order |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Sorts files and folders alphabetically. | A-Z or Z-A |
| Date Modified | Sorts by the last date/time the file was changed. | Newest to Oldest or Oldest to Newest |
| Type | Sorts by the file extension or file kind. | Alphabetical by Type (e.g., .docx, .pdf, .txt) |
| Size | Sorts by file size. | Smallest to Largest or Largest to Smallest |
| Date Created | Sorts by the date/time the file was created. | Newest to Oldest or Oldest to Newest |
| Date Accessed | Sorts by the last date/time the file was opened. | Newest to Oldest or Oldest to Newest |
Selecting Type from the Sort By menu or clicking the Type column header provides an excellent way to quickly group documents, images, spreadsheets, and other file formats together, making batch operations or cleanup much simpler.
