folder

Each process running in Windows is assigned a unique decimal number called the process ID (PID) to identify an active process. This number is used to specify the process when for example attaching a debugger to it. By default, all File Explorer windows, including the desktop shell, run in a...

File Explorer can display thumbnail previews of files in Windows 11. Starting with Windows 11 build 22557, File Explorer will now show previews of items within folders. File Explorer displays a thumbnail preview image of the last item added to the folder by default. This tutorial will show...

You can right click on a folder or non-OS drive, and click/tap on Properties to see a Customize tab. You can right click on the background of an open folder or non-OS drive, and click/tap on Show more options (Shift+F10) to see the Customize this folder context menu. If you click/tap on the...

You can right click on a folder that supports being moved and click/tap on Properties to see a Location tab. The Location tab in the properties page window of supported folders (ex: user personal folders) will allow you to see the current location of the folder, move the default location of the...

You can add a Empty folder context menu to permanently delete the file contents of a folder after a one time Y/N confirmation to prevent emptying the folder by mistake. Subfolders and their contents will not be deleted. Only the file contents in a folder you right clicked on will get...

You can mount (make a drive accessible) in a folder rather than a drive letter if you want. This makes the drive appear as just another folder. When you mount an internal or external drive in an empty folder, you will be able to access the contents of the drive from the path of the folder. The...

If you copy or move a folder into a destination that already contains a folder with the exact same name, Windows will automatically replace the destination folder by default. If any files have the same names, you will still be asked if you want to replace those files with a file merge conflict...

While you browse in File Explorer, you can open each folder in the same window or in its own new window. This tutorial will show you how to open a folder, drive, or library in the same window or in its own new window for your account in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Option One: Open Folder in...

Windows 7 introduced libraries, which provide users with a single, coherent view of their files even when those files are stored in different locations. Libraries can be configured and organized by a user and a library can contain folders that are found on the user's computer and also folders...

Windows 7 introduced libraries, which provide users with a single, coherent view of their files even when those files are stored in different locations. Libraries can be configured and organized by a user and a library can contain folders that are found on the user's computer and also folders...

Starting with Windows 11 build 22557, File Explorer will show a thumbnail preview of folder contents on the folder's icon. Usually, the last item added to the folder will show as a thumbnail preview on the folder's icon. You can change the folder icon to show any custom icon you want instead of...

Starting with Windows 11 build 22557, File Explorer will show a thumbnail preview of folder contents on the folder's icon. Usually, the last item added to the folder will show as a thumbnail preview on the folder's icon. If you like, you can choose any .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .png, .tif, .tiff...

You can have Windows automatically restore previous folder windows at sign in when you sign out, restart the computer, or shut down the computer. This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off "Restore previous folder windows at logon" for your account in Windows 11. Option One: Turn On...

Hidden files, folders, and drives do not show by default in Windows. Hidden files, folders, and drives are marked with the hidden attribute. Protected operating system files are marked with the hidden and system attributes. When you Show hidden files, folders, and drives, their icons will...

Hidden files, folders, and drives do not show by default in Windows. Hidden files, folders, and drives are marked with the hidden attribute. Protected operating system files are marked with the hidden and system attributes. When you set to show hidden files, folders, and drives and protected...

The Start menu is comprised of three sections: Pinned, All apps, and Recommended. The Start menu contains shortcuts of all your apps, settings, and files. Starting with Windows 11 build 22557, you can now customize your pinned apps on the Start menu by organizing them into folders. You can add...

Quick access in the navigation pane of File Explorer (Win+E) allows you to quickly access and view your pinned folders, frequent Folders, Pinned files, and Recent files from one location in Quick Access. You can Pin to Quick access and Unpin from Quick access items. Pinned items can include...

Quick access in the navigation pane of File Explorer (Win+E) allows you to quickly access and view your pinned locations, frequent folders, and recent files from one location in Quick Access. You can Pin to Quick access and Unpin from Quick access items. These locations include local and...

You can use OneDrive to sync files between your computer and the cloud, so you can get to your files from anywhere - your computer, your mobile device, and even through the OneDrive website at OneDrive.com. If you add, change, or delete a file or folder in your OneDrive folder, the file or...

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is an antivirus software that is included in Windows 11 and can help protect your device from viruses, malware, and other threats. Controlled folder access helps protect your valuable data from malicious apps and threats, such as ransomware. In a ransomware attack...