How to Add or Remove Columns in Windows 8 File Explorer

   Information

Columns display a wide variety of details about files in a folder or library in File explorer. For example, name, date modified, type, size, etc..... Columns are only available when using Details view in File Explorer.

This tutorial will show you how to add or remove columns of details in a opened folder or library in File Explorer in Windows 8.

   Note

• In Libraries, column width changes are applied to all included folders in the library.
• In File Explorer, column width changes are only applied to that specific folder and the specific location it was opened from (ex: shortcut vs File Explorer), and will not be applied to any other folder unless Apply to Folders is used, or it is used to set a default view for all folders.

Here's How:

1. In File Explorer, open a folder or library that you want to add or remove a column in, and do step 2 or 3 below.

2. Click/tap on the View tab, click/tap on Add columns in the Ribbon. (see screenshot below)

A) If listed here, check (add) and uncheck (remove) any column details you like.

B) If not listed, or for more options, click/tap on Choose columns, and go to step 4 below.

3. Right click anywhere on the column bar. (see screenshot below)

A) If listed here, check (add) and uncheck (remove) any column details you like.

B) If not listed, or for more options, click/tap on More, and go to step 4 below.

4. Do step 5 and/or 6 below for what you would like to do. (see screenshot below)

5. To Add Columns in this Folder or Library

A) Check the details you want to display for the items within columns in this folder, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step 4)

OR

B) Select any unchecked details (ex: #) you want to display for the items within columns in this folder, and click/tap on the Show button, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step 4)

6. To Remove Columns in this Folder or Library

A) Uncheck the details you want to display for the items within columns in this folder, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step 4)

OR

B) Select any checked details (ex: #) you want to display for the items within columns in this folder, and click/tap on the Hide button, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below step 4)

7. When you are finished with steps 5 and 6 above, click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below step 4)

8. You might also would like to change the width and order of any added columns to what you want as well.




That's it,
Shawn

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