Sort folders and files together (disable folder-first sorting behavior)

[ozcnfth]

Hi,
Windows File Explorer currently enforces a default behavior where folders are always listed separately from files (typically shown either before or after files), even when sorting by attributes such as Date modified, Name, or Type.
This behavior cannot be changed via any built-in Windows setting, which creates limitations for workflows that rely on strict chronological or alphabetical ordering across all items.

Problem is, when sorting by Date modified (Descending), the expected behavior from a user perspective is:

The newest item (file or folder) should appear at the top, regardless of type.

However, the current behavior results in:

• Files sorted among files
• Folders sorted among folders
• Two separate blocks instead of a unified list

This breaks chronological integrity and makes it harder to track recent changes in mixed-content directories.

Feature Request
Introduce an optional setting in ExplorerPatcher to:

Treat folders as regular items during sorting (i.e., allow folders and files to be mixed in a single ordered list)

Proposed option:
[ ] Sort folders and files together

When enabled this option, its expected behavior should be:

• Sorting applies across all items (folders + files)

• Example (Date modified DESC):

  Report.pdf (2026-06-09 10:15)
  Project Folder (2026-06-09 09:58)
  Data.xlsx (2026-06-08 17:42)
  Archive Folder (2026-06-07 12:01)

  Instead of:
  [Files block]
  Report.pdf
  Data.xlsx

  [Folders block]
  Project Folder
  Archive Folder

This appears to be a limitation of Explorer's internal sorting logic and is not configurable via standard shell settings.
ExplorerPatcher already hooks into Explorer behavior, so this could potentially be implemented as an optional override.

Thanks for considering this — it would significantly improve usability for power users managing mixed-content directories.