How to Change ‘When Typing into List View’ Action in Windows 10 File Explorer

In Windows 10, File Explorer offers an intuitive, flexible interface for navigating directories and managing files. One often-overlooked behavior occurs when typing into list view, a folder layout option that presents files and folders in a vertical list. By default, File Explorer highlights the first matching item that starts with the characters entered—similar to how your Internet search engine suggests entries for you based on previous behavior and popular queries.

However, Windows also supports an alternative behavior. Instead of selecting a matching item in the view, the system directs typed characters to the Search Box, which initiates an inline search of all files and folders in the system path. This allows you to find any item that contains the typed characters, not just those that begin with them. While subtle, the difference between these two behaviors can significantly impact user workflow, particularly in high-volume or shared work environments.

In this guide, we detail the instructions on configuring the File Explorer list view so you can improve navigation efficiency.

Modifying the File Explorer list view

The ability to customize what happens when typing into list view is particularly valuable for IT admins and managed service providers (MSPs) supporting diverse user bases and globally distributed teams. Even so, before implementing these configurations, there are a few prerequisites:

• You must be using a Windows 10 device (of any edition)
• You must have administrator privileges.
• It’s strongly recommended that you have a basic understanding of navigating Folder Options and the Windows Registry.

How to configure via folder options

1. Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer. Alternatively, you can click on its icon in the taskbar.
2. Click on the View tab in the ribbon at the top. Select Options on the far right to open the Folder Options dialog.
3. In the Folder Options dialog, navigate to the View tab.
4. Scroll through the Advanced Settings until you find When typing into list view. From there, choose between:
   1. Select the typed item in the view (default): This setting selects items that match the typed input.
   2. Automatically type in the Search Box: This directs typed input to the search box, which initiates a search within the folder.
5. Click Apply, then Ok to save the changes. There is no need to restart your computer.

How to configure via Registry Editor

⚠️ Consider backing up your Registry before proceeding. Incorrect configurations can lead to system instability. 

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Click Yes if prompted.
2. In the Registry Editor, go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. In the right pane, look for a DWORD value TypeAhead. If it doesn’t exist, you’ll need to create one:
   1. Right-click on an empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
   2. Name the new value TypeAhead
4. Double-click on TypeAhead and set its value.
   1. 0 : Select the typed item in the view (default)
   2. 1 : Automatically type into the Search box
5. Close the Registry Editor and either sign out and back in or restart your computer to apply the changes.

The difference between ‘Select the typed item in the view’ vs. ‘Automatically type into the search box’

Although the two behaviors sound similar at first, there is an important difference that needs to be understood. Let’s clarify this with an example:

Select the type item in the view

When you start typing in a folder that’s in list view, Windows will highlight the first file or folder whose name starts with the letters you type. It does not search the folder—it simply jumps to the matching item in the visible list.

For example:

You open a folder containing files:

• • Alpha.doc
  • Bravo.txt
  • Charlie.doc

If you type “B”, it will immediately jump down and highlight Bravo.txt because it matches the first item starting with “B”. Take note: Bravo.txt may not even be the file you are searching for; however, this behavior is faster for users who know the file names and prefer keyboard navigation.

Automatically type in the Search Box

With this option, as soon as you start typing, Windows will send the typed input directly into the Search Box located at the top-right of the File Explorer window. So, instead of jumping to a file that starts with what you’ve typed, it performs a search in the current folder.

For example:

Using the same files:

• • Alpha.doc
  • Bravo.txt
  • Charlie.doc

If you type “a”, the search box will populate with “a” and immediately start searching. It will then display Alpha.doc, but also other file names like Delta.txt, India.doc, or even the name of the author, RaineGrey.txt, if they include “a” anywhere in the name or content, depending on search settings.

This behavior is more suitable for users who rely on broader searches, like when they don’t know the exact file name or want to find something based on partial keywords.

Troubleshooting common issues when configuring File Explorer list view

Changes not taking effect

In some cases, certain settings require the File Explorer to restart before taking effect. We recommend either restarting the File Explorer process from Task Manager or performing a full system reboot to fully apply the changes. Typically, this resolves the issue.

Incorrect Registry path

One common mistake when using the Registry Editor is editing or creating a value under the wrong path. Make sure that you place the registry string TypeAhead under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced .

Keep in mind that placing the string under any other path will not change any behavior and may even cause some system instability. Always double-check the path and confirm that you are working under the correct user context.

Missing option in Folder Options

If you cannot see the “When typing into list view” option, it may be hidden or not included in your current Windows 10 edition. To resolve this, make sure your system is fully updated. You can use an endpoint management tool like NinjaOne to help you enable and manage Windows Updates automatically, or you can perform this task manually.

If updates do not resolve the issue, you can try configuring the behavior via the Registry, which is available regardless of the GUI’s current state.

Registry key missing

The TypeAhead DWORD value is not always present by default in Windows 10 systems. If you cannot find this specific registry key, you will need to create it manually. For instructions on how to do this, refer to step 3 in How to configure via Registry Editor.

Be sure to choose DWORD (32-bit) Value regardless of whether you’re running a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows, as this is the correct format Windows expects for this setting.

Search behavior not changing despite correct registry setting

If you’ve correctly configured the registry value, restarted the system, but Windows still directs typed input to the Search Box, there may be deeper issues that you must consider. Group Policy settings, especially those implemented in managed environments, can override user-level registry changes. To resolve this, you would need to contact your IT administrator to make the changes for you.

Additionally, some third-party applications, such as custom shell extensions or Explorer replacements, may interfere with standard Explorer behavior. Before applying any changes, make sure that any conflicting software or tools are disabled.

Lastly, Fast Startup can sometimes prevent registry changes from applying fully. This is because it doesn’t reload a session from scratch, which is required for changes to take effect. To resolve this, disable Fast Startup temporarily or perform a full shutdown and reboot (Shift + Shutdown).

When typing into list view: Meet your organizational workflow requirements

Customizing the “When typing into list view” behavior in File Explorer is a simple but powerful way to enhance your user experience. Changing this behavior helps you find the items you need much more quickly and efficiently. This is especially useful for managed environments.