Many are left wondering what the desktop.ini file in Windows is, whether it’s safe to keep or should be removed, and if there are any ways to hide it. So, let’s find out the answer to these questions.

What is the desktop.ini file in Windows 10?

Windows create the desktop.ini files to store the folder configuration and related data. Simply put, it stores information on how a folder is displayed in Windows. You will find one in every folder and two desktop.ini files on the desktop. The contents of a desktop.ini file are usually as follows though it differs based on the folder it’s stored in: [.ShellClassInfo][email protected]%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-21769IconResource=%SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll,-183[LocalizedFileNames][email protected]_UjPv0oPWiy.png,0[email protected]_2DCPtGq71a.png,0 These files are automatically created by Windows when you modify the layout or a related setting for a folder to store the changes. Ideally, users shouldn’t be able to see the desktop.ini files since these are hidden by default.

Why do I see the desktop.ini files?

The desktop.ini files can be visible if you recently changed the settings in the Folder Options and set the protected system files to be displayed. In case you didn’t manually make the change, there’s a likelihood that a third-party app or a recent Windows update made the change, though in both these cases, it can be reverted to the default settings.

Can I delete desktop.ini files?

Yes, you can delete the desktop.ini files without causing any significant damage to the computer, though it’s not recommended that you do so. SPONSORED The reason, any changes that were recently made and stored on the desktop.ini file will revert to the initial state. And in case you are only bothered by their presence, there’s a quick way to hide desktop.ini files in Windows.

How to hide the desktop.ini file in Windows?

There you go! This will hide the dekstop.ini files in every iteration of the OS, be it Windows 10 or 11. But it also hides the other system files and protected folders. If you want them to be visible, try the workaround listed next.

How to hide desktop.ini files without hiding the other system files?

That’s it! Now, while the desktop.ini file in Windows 10 will remain hidden, the chosen system files will be visible and available for access.

Why are there two desktop.ini files on the desktop?

This may come off as a surprise to many, but the desktop is a folder, rather, a combination of two folders, the User-specific desktop and the Public desktop. Each of these folders has its desktop.ini file to store the configuration data. As a result, you have two such files on the desktop. You know everything about the desktop.ini file and the steps to hide it in Windows 10. Remember to proceed with caution when dealing with such files since these are critical to Windows. And while you are here, do not forget to check some easy tips to boost Windows’ performance. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comments below.

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