FolderType NotSpecified: stop File Explorer from slowly scanning large folders
Short answer
UpdatedFile Explorer looks at the files in a folder to choose a view template (pictures, music, documents). In folders with thousands of files that scan is what makes them slow to open. FolderType set to NotSpecified under the AllFolders shell key gives every folder the general template and skips the scan. In the registry it sets FolderType to NotSpecified under HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell.
HKCUSoftware\
FolderTypeYour previous valueNotSpecified
What it does
File Explorer looks at the files in a folder to choose a view template (pictures, music, documents). In folders with thousands of files that scan is what makes them slow to open. FolderType set to NotSpecified under the AllFolders shell key gives every folder the general template and skips the scan.
In the app the switch is called "Disable Folder Type Discovery", described there as: Stops File Explorer from scanning a folder to pick a view for it, so large folders open faster (restart Explorer to apply).
When it helps, and when it hurts
When it helps
- Downloads folders, clip folders and game folders with very many files, which open at once.
When it hurts
- Folders no longer switch to thumbnail or music views by themselves. You can still pick a view per folder.
- Restart File Explorer to apply.
What it writes
Exactly what the switch changes, read from the app's source. Switching it off is what the app writes when you turn the tweak off again.
| Key and value | With the tweak | Switching it off |
|---|---|---|
| HKCUSoftware\ | NotSpecified | Your previous valueSaved before the change, or deleted if there was none. |
From the app's source (pack_extra.hpp), app 2.0.0, checked .
The same change by hand
You do not need the app for this one. These commands make the changes from the table above. Run them in a Command Prompt opened as administrator, and make a restore point first.
reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell" /v "FolderType" /t REG_SZ /d "NotSpecified" /freg query "HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell" /v "FolderType"How to undo it
In the app: Yes
Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. The app saved what each value was before the change and writes exactly that back, or removes the value if it did not exist.
Changing several settings at once? The app's Make a restore point button, on every plan, makes a Windows restore point before you start.
Verdict
Recommended if a folder takes seconds to open.
Questions
- What does the "Disable Folder Type Discovery" tweak change in Windows?
- In the registry it sets FolderType to NotSpecified under HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell.
- Is "Disable Folder Type Discovery" safe to switch on?
- Recommended if a folder takes seconds to open. The main cost: Folders no longer switch to thumbnail or music views by themselves. You can still pick a view per folder.
- How do I undo it?
- Switch the tweak off in Frozen Tweaks. Switching it off puts back exactly what was there before, value for value.
- Does it need a restart?
- Yes, the change applies after restarting File Explorer.
- Is "Disable Folder Type Discovery" free in Frozen Tweaks?
- Yes. It is one of the free tweaks, with no time limit.
In the app
- Switch
- Disable Folder Type Discovery
- Category
- Windows
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
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Written by
Frost LIVEFounder of Frozen Tweaks, based in Hamburg, Germany. Publishes settings guides for competitive games on his YouTube channel, Frost LIVE.
In the app
- Category
- Windows
- Plan
- Free
- Undo
- Yes
Frozen Tweaks
Free for Windows 10 and 11
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Or type frozentweaks.com on your PC.
The free Windows app for competitive games.
58 tweaks free, each with an undo switch. Never edits game files.
v2.0.0 · 6.4 MB · Windows 10 and 11, 64-bit · free account, no payment details
Frozen Tweaks runs on Windows. Send the link to your PC and download it there.
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