Windows Explorer alternative that can sort by anything without separating files and folders

Question

In Windows Explorer, sorting by anything (e.g. name, date modified, etc.) separates files and folders into two groups. Natively, it's impossible to prevent that.

I'm looking for some alternative that can sort without making this separation.

The alternative should preferably be something that can integrate into the native Windows Explorer (because I already have other software (like QTTabBar) that's "integrated" into the native Windows Explorer), like some context menu utility.
However, an entire Windows Explorer alternative that can do that is also acceptable.

Answer 1

Double Commander

Double Commander is a free cross platform open source file manager with two panels side by side. It is inspired by Total Commander and features some new ideas.

You can use only one panel if you want, just click on the middle bar and drag it to the right (completely or to the % you want). Just make sure the tab at the left is selected by clicking on it (the path will be in blue). Just remember the second panel is on the right side. You also have an Horizontal Panels Mode.

In configuration/Options/Files views you have the possibility to sort by anything without separating files and folders. Click Apply, than OK. Maybe you will have to restart Double Commander. The configuration will be kept.

You can add tabs like (like QTTabBar).

There are a lot of features : Rename tool, extract files, checksum, compare files by content, etc.

Answer 2

Also you can use Files.

Here you can set that option:

Answer 3

It is a whole Explorer replacement, but Directory Opus from GPSoft can do this. The folder sort settings can be set to keep folders separate, or mixed together (see below).

I've been using Directory Opus for years, and can recommend it as an essential utility for Windows.