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Windows 10 File Library What is it, what is it for and how to access this section?

As the operating system updates of Microsoft, more functions are added, others are removed and some are moved. Thus, when changing Windows version we may lose sight of them.

It is the particular case of the Windows 10 library. It was present in the versions 7, 8 and 8.1. Although it is also available in the last, is hidden or deactivated default.

To learn more about this utility, how to activate it and how to use it correctlyWe invite you to read the next post.

What is the W10 file library and what kind of documents is stored in it?

It is a very useful tool both for organized people like those that are a little messy. This is because with it you will be able to locate your files quickly and easily. Library is a file that contains virtual libraries. That is to say, that all the elements that we will find in it are rather links or links and not documents themselves (they don't take up additional disk space substantially).

This service It is very useful to manage content by characteristics and optimize searches. Strictly speaking, the class of documents that this file stores is that of links. The same can be categorized into sub libraries. The advantages of the latter are that we can customize them with names and icons arbitrary. In addition to optimize them to search for the characteristics of its content.

Another advantage of using this tool is that it is we will have documents from different locations on the disk in one place. Without the need to create shortcuts individually. To this is added the benefit that every time files are added to the original file, the library will update automatically. Another one of the positive qualities is that the same location can appear in two or more libraries at the same time.

For example, if we have the category "Wallpapers", "HD Images" and "Animals", a file that has these characteristics can be linked to all three. Similarly, each "Virtual bookstore" it is capable contain multiple real file addresses. And in turn other libraries. In this way, nothing prevents us from indexing the content manually.

Learn step by step how to access and navigate the Windows 10 file library

Now that you know what are the advantages of use Windows 10 file library, Now we can start using it. Next, we will see how to do it correctly.

Follow these steps:

  • The first thing we must do is make sure this utility is visible in the navigation pane of Windows. Otherwise, open the browser from the "start menu" or press "Windows Button + E".
  • Select the tab "View" and then displays the menu "Navigation panel". Both are in the upper right corner of the window.

Learn step by step how to access and navigate Windows 10 file library - show libraries

  • Choose "Show Libraries". From that moment you will be able to view a new icon on the side panel navigation.
  • Login at. You will observe six default categories inside.
  • "Camera album" It contains images of it. If your computer does not have one, it will have empty content.
  • "Documents" which links the files in the location C: Users Administrator Documents.
  • "Saved images", this library contains a link to the file Saved Pictures from the main disk.
  • The same goes for the remaining "Images", "Music" and "Videos".

But what if we need create our own library me Add links to others locations.

Well it is possible and easily with the following method:

  • For create a new library go to the tab "Start".

Learn step by step how to access and navigate the Windows 10 file library - new library

  • Within this menu, display "New item" and press on "Library". You can also do it from the options of the secondary button mouse "New".
  • Performed the previous step a new item will appear, which you must name.
  • Open this new library and press "Include a folder".
  • Browse and select the file you want to add with the browser Windows. To finish press "Include folder".
  • If you wish add more locations, inside this library, enter the tab "Library tools" and select "Manage Library".
  • Within the popup, choose "Add" and repeat the previous process.
  • As we mentioned before, browsing the content of your computer in this way has its advantages. One of them is use custom icons for each bookstore.

Learn step by step how to access and navigate the Windows 10 file library - library properties

  • To achieve this, right click on the library icon and choose "Properties".
  • Press "Change Library Icon" and choose between the established designs of Windows. Or add a custom one as we show in this post: Custom icons

Within this window, it is also possible adjust library according to content. Do this by displaying the menu "Optimize this library for:" and choose the type of elements it contains. Such modification, improves the speed at which Windows finds files with the search engine. Also, change the default shape of the icon size.