Hide or Show the Solution File in Solution Explorer

Menu:  Tools -> Options -> Projects and Solutions -> General
Versions:  2008,2010
Published:  3/26/2010
Code:  vstipProj0008 

 

If you don't like seeing the solution file in Solution Explorer, you can easily hide it (or show it if you have it hidden).  First, let's review what the default looks like with the solution file showing:

image

 

Now if we go to Tools -> Options -> Projects and Solutions -> General and uncheck "Always show solution":

image

 

This is the result:

image

 

SPECIAL NOTE:  This only works when there is one project in the solution.  If you have multiple projects in your solution it will ignore this setting and give you the default view.

Comments

  • Anonymous
    June 16, 2010
    I'm having this problem now.  Only thing is, when I go to Tools | Option, I don't see an option for "Projects and Solutions".  I am using VS2010 Professional.

  • Anonymous
    June 16, 2010
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    February 17, 2011
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    July 08, 2013
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    July 09, 2013
    Hey Jim :) I agree. I'm not a fan of this feature and don't know anyone that uses it. Maybe it will get deprecated in this latest version. Z

  • Anonymous
    December 09, 2013
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    September 09, 2014
    There is a button on the solution explorer toolbar that allows you to  show all files including those that are not part of the project (button second from the left). See which file you need and add in your project by Right + click select "Include in Project".