Random file popped up

Question

Random file popped up

Makayla 0

I had a random file pop up in my file explorer titled "Analysis" that contained 4 Excel spreadsheet files.... Do I need to be worried? I'm not sure where it came from. It was just randomly pinned to my quick access in file explorer

Answer accepted by question author

0 additional answers

Your answer

Answer 1

Emmanuel Santana 34,045 Independent Advisor

hello. Did you use Excel or open any spreadsheets recently. For example downloading a report, opening an attachment, exporting data, or working with OneDrive synced files.

Right-click the "Analysis" folder in your Quick Access and select Open file location. This will show you exactly where it is stored (e.g., C:\Users\Name\Downloads vs. C:\Windows\System32).

Where is it located?

Makayla 0 Reputation points

2025-12-20T11:17:55.5233333+00:00

Hi, I noticed it when I was sending an email. It opened my files and I noticed it was pinned to the bottom of my quick access. It was on my work computer and I do work with excel spreadsheets and I use Onenote as well.
Emmanuel Santana 34,045 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-20T11:21:31.89+00:00

Totally normal.

When you attach a file in Outlook, File Explorer refreshes Quick Access. If Excel or OneNote recently created or touched a folder, Windows can pin it automatically. On a work computer this happens a lot, especially with Excel analysis files or OneDrive/SharePoint activity.

If the Excel files look like things you’ve worked on, you’re fine. You can just right-click the folder in Quick Access and unpin it.

Only worry if it keeps coming back on its own, the files change without you opening them, or the folder is in a strange location. Otherwise, this is just Windows being “helpful.”
Emmanuel Santana 34,045 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-20T11:24:05.9566667+00:00

Replied below...
Makayla 0 Reputation points

2025-12-20T11:31:45.96+00:00

The file names were odd and random. 3 of them were created in 2024 and one more recent. I opened one and it flashed a notification but I closed out before I could read it. All 4 files were excel spreadsheets, but none that I was familiar with...
Emmanuel Santana 34,045 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-20T11:32:50.7533333+00:00

Did you already try right-clicking to check the folder location and see where they are?
Makayla 0 Reputation points

2025-12-20T11:39:52.7733333+00:00

I didn't right click to see the location. At the time I wasn't even thinking but now I'm worried and I feel like I should have reported it to my IT dept ... I'm praying it was just normal and not something like malware
Emmanuel Santana 34,045 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-12-20T11:45:55.8566667+00:00

I get your point. In the end, anything unknown appearing is definitely a red flag, but I believe this is just normal behavior and that those files were pinned by chance.

I asked about the location because the folder path can show whether it’s from regular Office or OneDrive activity, while Defender’s history can confirm if any process was blocked or detected at that time.

Next steps: leave the files as they are, check the actual folder location and note the full path, and review Microsoft Defender’s protection history for any flagged activity.

Since this is a work device, it’s always fine to report it to IT, even if everything seems normal, they can quickly confirm or investigate further.
Makayla 0 Reputation points

2025-12-20T12:00:10.7233333+00:00

I'll definitely check to see on Monday. Thank you.

Share via

Random file popped up

0 additional answers

Your answer