Files & Folders

Every document, picture, song, or video on a computer is stored as a file. Files are kept inside folders to stay organised — just like papers in a cabinet drawer.

What is a File?

A file holds data. A file can be a letter you typed, a photo, a drawing, or a song. Every file has a name and a file extension that tells Windows what type it is.

Each file type has a different extension that tells the computer how to open it

What is a Folder?

A folder is a container that holds files. You create folders to group related files together. A folder can hold other folders inside it — those are called sub-folders.

The "School" folder holds sub-folders "Maths" and "Science" — each with their own files

Creating a New Folder

Right-click on a blank area of the desktop or inside File Explorer. Choose New → Folder. Type a name and press Enter. The new folder appears right away.

Renaming a File or Folder

Right-click on the file or folder. Choose Rename. Type the new name and press Enter.

Deleting a File or Folder

Click the file once to select it. Press the Delete key on the keyboard. The file moves to the Recycle Bin — it is not gone yet. You empty the Recycle Bin to remove it fully.

🟢 Tip: Give folders short, clear names like "Science Notes" or "Class Photos". This makes it easy to find your files later.

💡 Fun Fact: Windows stores your personal files in a special main folder called This PC → Documents. It is the safest place to save school work!

✏️ Exercise

Q1. What is a file extension? Give two examples.

✅ A file extension tells the computer what type the file is. Examples: .docx (Word), .jpg (image).

Q2. Where does a deleted file go first?

✅ A deleted file goes to the Recycle Bin first.

Q3. What is a sub-folder?

✅ A sub-folder is a folder stored inside another folder.

Q4. What extension does a Word document have?

✅ A Word document has the .docx extension.

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