A computing device includes an interface configured to interface and communicate with a dispersed storage network (DSN), a memory that stores operational instructions, and processing circuitry operably coupled to the interface and to the memory. The processing circuitry is configured to execute the operational instructions to perform various operations and functions. The computing device obtains directory metrics associated with a directory structure that is associated with a directory file that is segmented into a plurality of data segments and based on a determination to reconfigure the directory structure based on the directory metrics, the computing device determines a number of layers for a reconfigured directory structure, a number of spans per layer of the number of layers for the reconfigured directory structure, and directory entry reassignments. The computing device reconfigures the directory structure based on the number of layers, the spans per layer, and the directory entry reassignments.