OneDrive File Issues

How to Keep OneDrive Files Sorted Alphabetically by Default

Adam Davis Oct 19, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users want to know how to set their OneDrive files and folders to permanently sort alphabetically by default across all folder levels.

How to Keep OneDrive Files Sorted Alphabetically by Default

Product: Microsoft OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows / Web
Scenario: Navigating through multiple folder levels, viewing personal folders, or opening shared files in OneDrive.
Observed behavior: OneDrive fails to retain the alphabetical sorting preference, frequently reverting to creation date, modification date, or reverse alphabetical order when a folder is closed and reopened.

Before you start

Ensure your OneDrive application and Windows operating system are updated to the latest versions to rule out known interface bugs that prevent sorting preferences from saving.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply Alphabetical Sorting in the OneDrive Interface

Manually apply the 'Name (A-Z)' sorting method to your folders to organize them alphabetically when they revert to date-based sorting.

Currently, OneDrive does not feature a universal 'apply to all folders' setting for alphabetical sorting within its native web or mobile interface. You will need to apply these steps to specific folders that are not displaying in the correct order.

Open the Affected Folder

Navigate to the specific OneDrive folder or Documents app location where your files are displaying out of order.

Access Sort Options

Click the 'Sort' menu located at the top of the file list. Alternatively, right-click an empty space within the folder to open the context menu and hover over 'Sort by'.

Select Alphabetical Sorting

Choose 'Name' or 'Name A-Z' from the dropdown menu to organize the files alphabetically. If the files appear in reverse alphabetical order (Z-A), select the Name option a second time to reverse the sorting direction.

Apply Alphabetical Sorting in the OneDrive Interface

System Limitation: Because the OneDrive web interface lacks a global default sorting option, you may need to repeat this process when entering deep subfolders or after reopening the application.

Solution 2

Force Folder Views in Windows File Explorer

If you use the OneDrive desktop sync app, you can force Windows File Explorer to apply alphabetical sorting to all synced folders of the same type.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my OneDrive files keep reverting to sort by date?

OneDrive sometimes defaults to sorting by 'Modified' or 'Created' date automatically, especially in shared folders or when accessing files from a different device. Microsoft currently lacks a universal 'Save Sort Order' button for all web folders, causing view settings to reset occasionally.

Can I set a default sort order for all OneDrive folders on the web?

No, the OneDrive web interface does not currently support a global setting to permanently sort all folders and subfolders alphabetically by default. Web sorting preferences are typically saved via browser cache and cookies, meaning they must be set individually per folder.

How do I fix OneDrive files showing in reverse alphabetical order?

If your files are displaying from Z to A, simply click the 'Sort' option at the top of the folder list and select the 'Name' or 'A-Z' option again. Clicking the sort column header repeatedly toggles the direction between ascending and descending.

Document & File Issues