Group By Issues

Option 3: Modify the default in the registry

In this registry key:

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{885a186e-a440-4ada-812b-db871b942259}\TopViews\{00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000}

Change the GroupBy value data from "System.DateModified" to "" (i.e. clear the data).

Note: The above key is protected. You will need to either change its permissions (not recommended) or access it using a tool that provides TrustedInstaller access, such as PowerRun, AdvancedRun, or RightClickTools.

If you make the above change for a new user before opening any Downloads folders, then you're done. Otherwise, you'll need to clear out the saved views using the following procedures:

Close all open apps.

Open RegEdit normally (i.e NOT as TrustedInstaller) and delete the following registry keys:

HKCU\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\BagMRU

HKCU\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags

Run the following PowerShell script to clear views for Store apps such as the Windows 11 Notepad and MSPaint:
PowerShell

$Pkgs = "$env:LocalAppData\Packages"
Get-ChildItem $Pkgs -Directory | ForEach-Object {
  Remove-Item -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue "$Pkgs\$_\SystemAppData\Helium\UserClasses.dat"
} 

Sign out and sign in (or restart the computer) to make the changes take effect everywhere.