How to Keep OneDrive Folder Sorting Settings Between Sessions
Question details
The user wants to retain custom folder sorting preferences, such as descending alphabetical order, in OneDrive across different sessions, as the settings keep reverting to default.
- Product
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Organizing and viewing files or photo albums within the OneDrive web interface.
- Observed behavior
- OneDrive resets the custom sorting order (like descending alphabetical) after a page reload, interface update, or new session, forcing users to reapply their preferences manually.
Ensure you are logged into the correct Microsoft account and that your web browser is fully updated before attempting to adjust and save your OneDrive sorting preferences.
Clear Browser Data and Reapply Sorting Preferences
Clearing your browser's cache and site data can resolve local glitches that prevent OneDrive from remembering your folder view settings.
OneDrive stores some of your display preferences locally in your browser cache. If this data becomes corrupted or conflicts with a recent Microsoft interface update, your sort order may not persist. Clearing site data forces OneDrive to save a fresh configuration.
Open your OneDrive folder in the web browser, click on your desired column header (e.g., Name, Modified), and select 'Descending' or your preferred sort order.
If the setting does not save upon refreshing the page, navigate to your web browser's settings and locate the 'Clear browsing data' or 'Clear cache' option.
Select 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files,' then clear the data for the time range encompassing when the issue started.
Log back into your OneDrive account, reapply your specific sorting preference, and close the browser. Reopen it to see if the sorting order persists.
Test Alternative Views and Browsers
Specific browser configurations or OneDrive view modes might interfere with the ability to save user preferences.
Experience Better File Management with WPS Office
If OneDrive's interface limitations and lack of persistent sorting are disrupting your workflow, consider trying WPS Office. As a free, lightweight Microsoft Office alternative, it offers seamless local and cloud file management. Organize your documents exactly how you want them while enjoying excellent format compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does OneDrive keep changing my folder sort order?
OneDrive may reset your folder sort order due to recent interface updates, browser cache conflicts, or limitations in how the current web version handles persistent per-folder settings.
Can I sort OneDrive photos by created date instead of modified date?
Currently, OneDrive's web interface primarily sorts by 'Modified date' or 'Name'. Sorting strictly by 'Created date' or custom sorting within specific photo albums lacks robust support, though users frequently request this feature from Microsoft.
How can I provide feedback to Microsoft about OneDrive sorting?
You can submit feedback directly from the OneDrive web interface by clicking the 'Settings' gear icon or the 'Help' icon, then selecting 'Send feedback' to request the return of the 'Save Sort Order' feature.
Does the OneDrive desktop app save sort orders better than the web version?
Yes. If you use the OneDrive sync client on Windows or Mac, your local File Explorer or Finder handles the sorting. Your local operating system will reliably remember your specific folder sorting preferences between sessions.
