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Files in Windows 10 automatically compressing

Anonymous
2018-01-07T21:15:34+00:00

Hello everyone, yesterday i noticed lots of folders and shortcuts having 2 blue arrows on the top right of the icon.  This means the file is compressed in the properties.  But how do i make it stop?  Every new file/folder i add automatically compresses and i don't want it to.

It isn't an urgent question, but it is pretty annoying seeing the arrows on the icons.

If anyone knows how to fix it, please let me know! Thanks!

*Modified title for accuracy*

*Original title: Files in C: drive automatically compressing?*

Windows for home | Windows 10 | 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.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-01-08T01:16:16+00:00

    Hi Marvin,

    You can set the compression state of folders and compress or decompress files by using My Computer or a command-line program called Compact. We recommend following these steps to set a folder in a decompression state:

    1. Start Windows Explorer . In the left pane, select the folder you want to compress or decompress.
    2. On the File menu, click Properties to display the Properties dialog box.
    3. On the General tab, click Advanced .
    4. In the Advanced Attributes dialog box, clear the Compress contents to save disk space check box, and then click OK .
    5. In the Properties dialog box, click OK .
    6. To keep existing files or subfolders in the NTFS folders in their current compression state, click Apply changes to this folder only , and then click OK .

    Let us know if you need further help.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-01-08T19:58:05+00:00

    Yes i know how to turn the compression off, but what i am saying is that every new folder/file i add starts off automatically compressed. How do i make it stop?

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-01-21T04:24:57+00:00

    I have followed your steps to no avail. New folders and already existing folders are still compressed even though the C: that option is unchecked.

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2018-01-25T06:00:03+00:00

    Hi Marvin,

    We’d like to confirm if the issue regarding the auto compress of the files on your Windows 10 computer is already resolved. If yes, we encourage that you share the information that fixed it. This would be a great help for other community members if they encounter the same concern.

    Additionally, the 2 blue arrows on your files and folders could possibly mean that they’re being synced to your cloud storage account. To properly sort out your concern, we'd like to asked for a screenshot of the folder reflecting the issue.

    On the other hand, we suggest that you perform a repair upgrade on your computer by using the Windows 10 ISO file. This process will reinstall Windows over its existing installation to fix any possible broken operating system files that prevent Windows from working properly. It will also keep your personal settings, files, and installed applications. To do this, you may follow the steps provided on this link, created by Andre Da Costa. Once you’re on the page, you may proceed with the steps, and then complete the process. After completing the given steps, you may check if you can use your computer properly.

    We’ll be waiting for your response.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-01-10T20:41:40+00:00

    As you may already know, if this feature is on, every new folder/file you add starts off automatically compressed. If you would like to turn it off for the whole drive, kindly follow these steps:

    1. Start File Explorer . In the left pane, right-click on the drive that you would not want to be compressed.
    2. Click Properties.
    3. Make sure that the Compress this drive to save disk space box is unchecked.
    4. Click OK then Apply.

    Let us know if you need further assistance.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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