Files and folders tend to accumulate over time on our Windows computers.
We often end up buying anexternal hard diskand soon beef it up as well.
Its time you check the subtle art of managing files and folders on Windows 10 computers.
Just like our houses, we like to store junk on computers too.
What if we need it someday is the story we tell ourselves.
And before we know it, there are way too many folders and files.
Do you know what the other problem is?
Storing files is easy, searching, and retrieving them are hard.
Lets see what we can do about it.
Unload/Delete Files
There is just so much data on our computers but we dont use half of them daily.
Probably, even more.
And we dont need a lot of these files ever.
They are old, redundant, and no longer serve their purpose.
That should empty a lot of space, making room for new trash in the future.
Folder Structure
I noticed some of my friends like to save all files inside a single folder.
Thats just lazy and bad management.
Create folders and sub-folders in a logical structure.
Right-click anywhere to create a new folder or use the top bar.
Try using a pen and paper or amind mapping toolto create a structure that makes sense.
Move files to these folders and keep adjusting as needed along the way.
One example can be creating folder structure by company, city, department, person, and project.
Dont Use Notepad
A lot of users have a weird habit.
They use Notepad to take quick notes.
We have covered so many over the years on GT.
It will help you take better notes, search, and edit, and do so much more.
How many text files can you make, and how do you even search their contents?
Name Logically
This is another mistake that a lot of computer users make.
They dont name their files and folders correctly.
That makes it difficult for them to find the same later.
Dont use random alphabets or numbers.
Refrain from using abbreviations, but instead, use full names to make it easier to search and find.
One example can be assigning numbers.
Always go for correct spelling where required or a logical sequence in case of numbers.
Using Meta Data
Noticed the View tab inside a folder?
you’ve got the option to use it to sort data in many ways.
you could also change the icon size allowing you to view more or fewer files in the same space.
Also, check out the Group by and Add column feature.
it’s possible for you to then arrange them in ascending or descending order.
Cloud Storage Apps
Noticed how I have three different cloud storage folders in the above screenshot?
Thats because all my files and folders that I dont use frequently are stored on an HDD.
The rest is stored on these cloud apps.
The only folder left contains some old and hard to find audio and video files.
UseGoogle Docsor Microsoft Office to create and save documents.
You will never have tosave duplicate copiesof that very critical file, either.
And if you do, it will consume less space on your system.
Hide Files
Most users dont pay attention to hiding files or arent aware how to do it.
you might also hide, unhide, and viewhidden files and foldersfrom the View tab in File Explorer.
Thats a neat way to clear clutter without having to delete or even move files and folders.
Learn how to use it effectively to manage files and folders on Windows 10 computers.
Quick Access Menu
You will find the Quick access menu in the left sidebar in the File Explorer.
A simple way to quickly access your most-used files and folders.
Search Faster and Better
The default Windows 10 search is not good enough.
you might search for apps in the Start menu and files in the File Explorer.
While they both work, they are both mediocre at best.
Go check them out.
Its just that most people dont know how or have time to explore the menu.
Once you do and begin to think logically, it becomes easier to manage files and folders.
Also, it is crucial to understand that this is a process.
You will have to do some housecleaning from time to time.
Its not a set and forget system.
Maybe, once every few months?
Next up:Have something sensitive you want to hide and protect?
tap on the link below to learn how to lock files and folders on your Windows 10 computer.
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