Understanding the Meaning and Function of Compressed Folder Icons in Windows 10
Compressed folders are a common feature in Windows 10, often represented by a unique folder icon with blue arrows at the top right corner. This article will explore the meaning and function of this icon, how to manage and optimize compressed folders, and provide a step-by-step guide on hiding these icons through a registry hack.What Does the Blue Arrow Icon Indicate?
The blue arrow icon in a folder's top right corner signifies that the folder is compressed. When a folder is compressed, it means that the contents within the folder are being stored in a more space-efficient format. This process can save disk space by reducing the size of the folder and its contents without losing any data.Windows 10 automatically changes the icon of a compressed folder to include these blue arrows, making it easy to identify which folders have been compressed. Right-clicking on a compressed folder will reveal additional options, such as 'Compress Contents to Save Disk Space,' which confirms that the folder is in a compressed state.
Why Are Some Shortcuts and Folders Automatically Compressed?
In Windows 10, some shortcuts and folders are compressed by default, particularly those stored within the systemrootinstaller directory. This occurs because these directories often contain larger file sizes, and compressing them can significantly reduce the overall disk usage.For example, the 'Windows' directory is the systemroot directory, and any installer files placed within this directory are usually compressed to conserve disk space. This automatic compression helps system administrators and users manage storage resources more efficiently, especially on systems with limited storage capacity.
How to Hide the Compressed Folder Icon Overlay
While the visibility of the blue arrow icon is helpful for identifying compressed folders, some users may prefer to hide these icons to maintain a cleaner look in their File Explorer view. This can be achieved through a registry hack, which involves editing registry files. However, modifying the registry can be risky, so it's essential to follow the steps carefully.Step-by-Step Guide
Open Registry Editor: Press Win R, type regedit and press Enter. This will open the Registry Editor. Navigate to the Registry Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerShell Icons. Create the Key: If the 'Shell Icons' key does not exist, create it under the 'Explorer' key. Add a New Value: Right-click within the 'Shell Icons' key, select 'New' > 'DWORD (32-bit) Value,' and name it 2017. Modify the Value: Double-click on the newly created 2017 value, and set its data to 0. This setting will hide the compression overlay icons. Close Registry Editor: Click 'OK' to save the changes and close the Registry Editor. Restart File Explorer: Restart File Explorer to apply the changes. You can do this by pressing Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager, find File Explorer, and right-click it to select 'Restart.'