One of the really annoying functions of Windows (in my opinion at least) is each folder retains its own view settings, so by default there is no guaranteed consistency browsing from one folder to another. This can be easily fixed, however. Just set all the view options you want all the folders to have on your current window and then do the following:

1. Go to: Control Panel > Folder Options > View
2. Uncheck Remember each folder’s view settings
3. Click Apply to All Folders button
4. Confirm any changes you are prompted for
5. Click Apply
6. Close all Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer windows

Now any explorer windows you open in the future will default to your preferred settings.