Fixing Windows 11 File Explorer Sort by Date Modified Issues

If you're a Windows 11 user and find that your File Explorer's "Sort by Date Modified" function is playing hard to get, you're not alone. This pesky issue has been plaguing many users, leading to frustration and confusion. When the files stubbornly refuse to sort correctly, showing the latest files mixed with the older ones or reverting back to name sorting upon reopening a folder, it's time to take action. But fear not, as we're about to delve into effective troubleshooting steps!

Understanding the Issue​

Many Windows 11 users have reported experiencing inconsistent behavior when utilizing the "Sort by Date Modified" feature. Files that should, logically, be listed in order of their last modification date seem to have a mind of their own—whether it’s displaying newer files amongst older ones or defaulting back to sorting by name after a folder is reopened. This can be particularly vexing for those managing extensive libraries of photos, documents, or other data types.
Several factors contribute to this anomaly:

• Software glitches: Bugs or issues in the File Explorer application can disrupt expected functionalities.
• Folder view settings: Specific configurations can override the sorting settings you've implemented.
• Inconsistent metadata: Problems with file properties prevent proper sorting.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Sorting Issues​

1. Reset Grouping Options​

One potential culprit for the unexpected sorting behavior could be the grouping settings within your folders. When files are grouped by attributes (like file type), it can affect how sorting is displayed. Here’s how to set the Group by option to 'None':

• Open the folder where you're facing the problem.
• Right-click on an empty space within the folder.
• Navigate to Group by and select (None).
• Try sorting your files again to see if it resolves the issue.

2. Reset Folder View Settings​

Sometimes, the folder view settings get mixed up due to updates or alterations in the system. Resetting these settings can often restore proper functionality. Follow these steps:

• Open File Explorer.
• Click the three dots icon in the toolbar and select Options.
• In the Folder Options window, switch over to the View tab.
• Click the Reset Folders button.
• Apply the changes to similar folders and close the window.

After resetting, you might need to reapply the "Sort by Date Modified" option to confirm if sorting behaves properly.

3. Change Folder Optimization​

Windows automatically optimizes folders based on their content, which isn't always accurate, especially for mixed-content folders. If optimization is misplaced, it can disrupt sorting.
To manually optimize your folder:

• Right-click on the folder experiencing issues and select Properties.
• Go to the Customize tab.
• Under Optimize this folder for, select the appropriate content type (such as documents or pictures).
• Make sure to check Also apply this template to all subfolders.
• Click Apply and OK to confirm changes.

4. Rebuild the Index​

If the problem persists, it could stem from incorrect file metadata or issues within the search index. Rebuilding the file index can refresh the system’s understanding of file modification dates.
This requires navigating to the Indexing Options within your Control Panel to rebuild your index, though specific instructions may vary depending on your exact setup.

5. Consider Third-Party File Managers​

If you find that you are still battling the sorting issue after all attempts, it may be worth exploring third-party file management solutions. These can offer enhanced functionalities and often provide better handling of complex sorting scenarios.

Modifying the Date Modified Attribute​

It's also worth noting that the "Date Modified" attribute can typically only be changed through the editing of the file and not directly within File Explorer. However, third-party applications like BulkFileChanger offer the functionality to alter file timestamps and attributes as necessary.
To sum up, while the "Sort by Date Modified" feature in Windows 11 can seem temperamental, there are a variety of troubleshooting steps you can take to restore order to your file browsing. Using these methods, you should be able to reclaim control over your file management experience and ensure that your critical files are sorted precisely as you need them.
Happy organizing! And remember, if you encounter any further complications, the Windows community is always here to lend a helping hand.
Source: The Windows Club Windows 11 Sort by Date Modified not working [Fix]