How to hide desktop.ini and thumb.db in windows explorer

Trouble:

Today we receive a mail from our reader Malhar who says: “how to remove the desktop.ini,
which is created in every folder?“

What is Desktop.ini?

It is a Windows XP operating system file which stores information about customized folders view and settings. If you have customized the display of a folder in any way, such as changing its icon or manner of display this will store all the information.

What is thumb.db?

Thumbs.db is again Windows XP operating system file that stores a cache for Windows Explorer’s thumbnail view.

Let see how can you hide desktop.ini

Fix:

Since desktop.ini and thumb.db are operating system files, but you are seeing them as because you may have set the windows explorer to show hidden/system files.

So, you just need to hide these files rather than deleting as these are operating system files, follow the procedure listed below to hide them.

1. Open My Computer, click File Menu Tools → Folder Options
2. Click on the View tab.
3. Uncheck the checkbox which says: “Do not show hidden files and folders” (as shown in the image below)
4. Put a check in the box which says: “Hide protected operating system files (recommended)”.
5. Click ok.

Here is the screen shot of the setting that I have described.

Once you have made these settings as described in the procedure given above, Desktop.ini and thumbs.db will disappear.

We hope the information provided above will help you fix the trouble.

Author + Admin: Rohit Khurana
Software Engineer by profession. I am a part time tech blogger and believe in blogging because I enjoy writing on technology. I also write about Cars and Bikes at www.carblogindia.com. You can catch me on twitter @rohit_khurana. Get in touch with me at RohitKhurana.in.