Windows – How to set List view as the default FTP view in Windows Explorer

ftpwindowswindows-explorer

When I use Windows Explorer to browse a FTP site, it defaults to Tiles view. I need it to default to List view.

I don't see a registry setting, and the standard [Tools -> Folder Options… -> View -> Apply to Folders] apparently has no effect on FTP sites.

Best Answer

For the record, here is a partial workaround tested on W7 SP1 and W10 v1511.

  1. Run the batch script Reset Folder View Settings of All Folders.

  2. Import to registry:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

;My Computer
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\ShellFolder]
"FolderType"=""

;Microsoft FTP Folder
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{63da6ec0-2e98-11cf-8d82-444553540000}\ShellFolder]
"FolderType"=""

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell\{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000}]
"LogicalViewMode"=dword:00000001
"Mode"=dword:00000000

3a. Run explorer shell:mycomputerfolder and you should see My Computer opened in details view.

3b. Run explorer ftp://your.site.com and it should remain in details view as long as you do not press the site icon in the navigation pane (if present by Add Network Location).
You may create a shortcut with location explorer ftp://your.site.com for convenience.

References:
Windows 8 Desktop Icons in Tile View (configure LogicalViewMode for other view modes)
Configure default folder view for storage connected via MTP (this set all folder view to the same mode)

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