Windows Explorer allows you to browse the files and folders stored on your Windows computer or attached media. By default, Windows Explorer displays the names of files and folders in black font. Files that are in a different state, such as compressed, encrypted or hidden files, are represented using different colors.
Windows Explorer represents compressed files and folders with blue font. In order to save space on your hard drive, Windows may present you with the option to automatically compress unused files. You can also manually compress files or folders by right-clicking the item, selecting "Properties," clicking "Advanced" and then checking "Compress Contents to Save Disk Space." Compressed files take up less space on your hard drive, but they take significantly longer to view and edit than uncompressed files.
Encrypted files, which appear in green, can only be opened by users with access to a valid decryption key. Encrypted files cannot be viewed or edited when transferred to another computer or accessed by a different user on the same computer. Encrypt files or folders by right-clicking the item, selecting "Properties," clicking "Advanced" and then checking "Encrypt Contents to Secure Data." Click "Details" to define which users on your computer can access the encrypted files.
Hidden files may appear in gray or they may not appear in Windows Explorer at all, depending on your computer's settings. Many Windows system files are hidden by default to protect them from being inadvertently altered or deleted. You can hide other files to keep them out of sight during normal file browsing. Right-click on a file or folder, select "Properties" and check "Hidden" to hide the file.
Color and Visibility Options
You can customize the way that Windows Explorer displays special files through the "Folder Options" window. Click "Organize" in the upper-left corner of a Windows Explorer window and select "Folder and Search Options." Select the "View" tab to change viewing options. Select "Don't Show Hidden Files, Folders or Drives" to hide all files marked as hidden or "Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives" to show all hidden files. Check or uncheck "Show Encrypted or Compressed NTFS Files in Color" to suit your preference. Click "OK" to save your changes and close the Folder Options window.
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