- Introduction
- Using the Explorer Window
- Changing the Explorer Window View
- Opening and Viewing the Computer
- Viewing and Opening Documents
- Working with Libraries
- Working with Personal Folders
- Navigating Between Folders
- Viewing the Folders List
- Changing the Explorer Layout
- Customizing the Navigation Pane
- Organizing Files by Headings
- Searching for Files and Folders
- Saving a Search
- Changing Search Options
- Performing an Instant Search
- Performing an Advanced Search
- Performing Natural Language Searches
- Modifying the Index to Improve Searches
- Adding Properties and Tags to Files
- Creating and Renaming Files and Folders
- Copying and Moving Files and Folders
- Deleting and Restoring Files and Folders
- Changing File and Folder List Views
- Hiding Files and Folders
- Changing Folder Options
- Customizing Library Folder
- Customizing Personal Folders
- Sharing Folders or Files with Others
- Compressing Files and Folders
- Managing Files Using a CD or DVD
- Creating a Shortcut to a File or Folder
Changing the Explorer Layout
Windows 7 gives you the option to customize the layout for each Explorer window depending on the information the window contains. The layout for each Explorer window includes a Menu Bar, Details pane, Preview pane, and Navigation pane. The Details and Navigation panes appear by default. Some Explorer windows, such as a library folder, also include a Library pane (New!), which you can use to display the library name, includes link and Arrange by view options. The Organize menu shows or hides the layout elements. If you prefer working with menus like the previous version of Windows, you can show the menu bar and use traditional menus.
Change the Explorer Layout
- Open the folder window you want to change.
- Click the Organize button, and then point to Layout.
Select the layout item you want to show or hide: Menu Bar, Details Pane, Preview Pane, Navigation Pane, or Library Pane (New!).
Layout options vary depending on the type of Explorer window.