Changing the Explorer Window View

Windows Vista displays the contents of a drive or folder in different ways to help you find the information you are looking for about a file or folder. The available views include Extra Large, Large, Medium and Small Icons (New!), List, Details, and Tiles.

Icons view displays icons in different sizes (Extra Large, Large, Medium, and Small), sorted alphabetically in horizontal rows, with the name of the file or folder below each icon. When you view files using one of the Icon views, Live icons (New!)—thumbnails—display the first page of documents, the image of a photo, or the album art for individual songs, making it easier to find exactly what you are looking for.

List view displays small icons, sorted alphabetically into vertical columns, with the name of the file or folder next to each icon.

Details view displays small icons, sorted alphabetically in a single vertical column, with the name of the file or folder and additional information, such as file size, type, and date, in columns to the right.

Tiles view displays icons, sorted alphabetically into vertical columns, with information about the file next to each icon.

Switching Between Views

You use the Views button on the toolbar in an Explorer window to quickly switch between window views. When you click the Views button, the view switches between the following four views: List, Details, Tiles, and Large Icons. If you want to select a different view, you can click the arrow next to the Views button to display a menu, where you can click a view or drag the slider. When you drag the slider, you can position it anywhere within the range, not just the main positions.