Share via

what is desktop.ini

Anonymous
2012-12-21T00:27:20+00:00

I am using W8 and when I turn on my computer it opens to the aps page. I then go to my desktop and I get an icon that says "desktop.ini". when I open this icon all that's in it is a bunch of gibberish. I delete this icon and as soon as I leave my desk top and return again the icon is back.  what is desktop.ini, do I need it, if not how do I get rid of it.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous
2012-12-21T03:51:11+00:00

The desktop.ini file normally has the System, Hidden and Read-only attributes assigned. So they should not be showing on the Desktop unless the following option has been disabled in the Folder Options:

Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)

a. Open Windows Explorer.

b. click Organize, click Folder and Search Options.

c. Select the View tab. 

d. Place a checkmark on ‘Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)’.

The desktop.ini files should no longer be visible on the Desktop.

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous
2012-12-21T00:38:07+00:00

it mainly just a file that contains settings for the folder it is in.

Folders are normally displayed with the standard folder icon. A common use of the Desktop.ini file is to assign a custom icon or thumbnail image to a folder. You can also use Desktop.ini to create an infotip that displays information about the folder and controls some aspects of the folder's behavior, such as specifying localized names for the folder or items in the folder.

Was this answer helpful?

4 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous
2012-12-23T22:44:20+00:00

Sorry, in W8 try the below 

  1. In the Explorer window, switch to the View tab.
  2. click the Options icon and choose Change folder and search options.
  3. Select the View tab.
  4. make sure the Hide protected operating system files box is ticked.

Was this answer helpful?

3 people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

11 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2012-12-22T19:53:11+00:00

    In W8 if you go to Explorer ther is no "Organize" in the program as their is in W7.  How do I follow the rest of the instructions?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2012-12-21T00:49:04+00:00

    The "desktop.ini" icon keeps reappearing on my desktop. Does it serve a purpose?  If I delete it and close out my computer another icon appears.  If it serves no useful purpose how do I keep it from reappearing all the time.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments