Windows 101 - The File System

Windows 101: The File System (Theory)

In this lesson, we’ll explore the file system, which is the method Windows uses to store, organize, and manage your files and folders. Understanding how the file system works will give you a strong foundation for keeping your work organized and finding what you need quickly.

What is the File System?

The file system is the structure that Windows uses to store and organize your files on the hard drive. Think of it as a digital filing cabinet where files are stored in folders. These folders can be further organized into subfolders, just like physical folders you might use in an office.

[picture] showing the concept of a digital filing cabinet

Files and Folders

Files are individual items you create and work with—such as documents, images, and programs. Folders are used to group related files together. For example, you might store all your work-related documents in a folder called Work, and inside it, you could have subfolders for Reports, Presentations, or Invoices.

A well-organized file system makes it easy to locate your files without having to remember exactly where everything is saved.

Drives and File Paths

Windows stores files on different drives. Your main drive is usually called C:/, which is where most of your programs and files are saved by default. Each file or folder has a unique file path that tells Windows exactly where it is located. For example, a file path might look like this:

C:/Work/Reports/AnnualReport.docx

This tells Windows that the file is located on the C: drive, in the Work folder, inside the Reports subfolder.

[picture] showing an example of a file path

File Extensions

Every file has a file extension at the end of its name, which tells Windows what kind of file it is and which program can open it. Common file extensions include:

• .docx for Word documents
• .xlsx for Excel spreadsheets
• .jpg for images
• .pdf for PDF files

Understanding file extensions helps you quickly identify what type of file you’re working with.

[picture] showing different file extensions

Why File Organization Matters

Organizing your files using folders and meaningful file names has several benefits:

• Efficiency: You’ll be able to find files faster without searching through clutter.
• Clarity: Proper file names and folder structures make it easier to understand what each file is at a glance.
• Backup: An organized file system is easier to back up, ensuring your important data is safe.

[gif] demonstrating the process of organizing files into folders

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Now that you understand the theory of the file system and how files and folders are structured, you’re ready to start organizing your files. In the next lesson, we’ll explore File Explorer, the tool in Windows that helps you manage these files and folders effectively.