存在于所有现代操作系统中的文件夹术语在 60 多年前首次用于计算设备(computing device)。最初，文件夹被称为目录。但是，一旦图形用户界面成为常态，该术语就被文件夹所取代。在现代版本的Windows中，文件夹易于使用，同时允许高级用户进行复杂的操作。让我们一起找出文件夹是什么以及如何在Windows计算机上使用它们：
注意：(NOTE:)本指南涵盖Windows 10、Windows 7 和Windows 8.1。如果您不知道您的Windows 版本(Windows version)，请阅读本教程：我安装了哪个版本的Windows ？。
什么是计算机和设备的文件夹？
在Windows和其他操作系统中，文件夹是您可以存储文件和其他文件夹（子文件夹）的地方。文件夹不仅仅是其中包含的文件和文件夹的属性，而是一个单独的对象，即使里面没有文件也可以存在。纸文件夹激发了这个名字。
文件夹包含子文件夹的能力导致了称为树的层次结构。Windows中的每个文件夹树都有一个不包含在任何其他文件夹中的根文件夹。(root folder)Windows中驱动器上的每个分区都有一个文件夹树结构(folder tree structure)。首次格式化分区时，会创建根文件夹(root folder)以允许Windows使用它。
注意(NOTE)：Windows中的库与文件夹不同。文件夹在磁盘分区(disk partition)上有自己的物理空间，而库是现有文件夹和文件的虚拟集合。有关更多详细信息，请阅读Windows(Windows)中的库是什么，以及如何使用它们来组织文件。
你可以用文件夹做什么？
树形结构(tree structure)暗示了文件夹的主要好处：组织文件。您可以创建文件夹来存储和组织您的图片、文档、视频等。文件夹还用于分隔不同用户创建的文件。例如，Windows为您计算机上的每个用户帐户(user account)创建单独的文件夹，这样文件和设置就不会在用户之间混合。
虽然Windows中的许多文件夹是由操作系统(operating system)或您使用的应用程序创建的，但您也可以并且应该创建文件夹来组织您的文件。
创建文件夹没有完美的方法，所以不用担心。确保您创建的文件夹具有易于理解和独特的名称，并且它们可以通过时间的考验（例如，使用“新”("new")作为名称的一部分通常是一个坏主意，因为随着时间的推移它可能会变得完全无意义的）。
请记住，Windows中的文件夹可以重新组织。如果您从一个文件夹开始，并且其中存储的文件数量随着时间的推移而增加很多，那么最好创建子文件夹并拆分文件，以便更容易找到您需要的文件。
如何在Windows中创建和管理文件夹(Windows)
文件资源管理器(File Explorer)是本机Windows 工具(Windows tool)，可让您查看、创建、修改和删除文件夹。修改文件夹意味着更改其内容。文件资源管理器(File Explorer)允许您创建、移动、复制或删除文件和子文件夹，在这些过程中有效地修改包含它们的文件夹。要在文件资源管理器(File Explorer)中创建文件夹，请使用导航面板(navigation panel)或地址栏选择现有文件夹。请记住，您至少有可用的根文件夹(root folder)，即您所在的分区。右键单击或点击并按住右侧面板中的空白区域，然后在上下文菜单中选择新建，然后选择(New)文件夹(Folder)在子菜单中。或者，您可以按键盘上的CTRL+SHIFT+N键。
一个新文件夹出现在右侧面板中，默认名称为(default name) New folder。用您选择的名称覆盖它。
在我们的示例中，我们选择了“文件夹示例”("Example of a folder")。按 Enter 或单击(Press enter or click)屏幕上的其他位置以完成命名过程。
您可以创建一个子文件夹，从而创建您自己的文件夹树(folder tree)。首先，通过(First)双击或双击(double-clicking or double-tapping)其名称将新创建的文件夹设为当前文件夹。地址栏会更改以反映新当前文件夹的路径。重复创建文件夹的过程。我们选择将此命名为“子文件夹示例”("Example of a subfolder")。
如果要重命名文件夹，请先在右侧面板中选择(folder select)它，然后单击其名称。
或者，选择它，然后按键盘上的F2 。对于重命名，我们使用“重命名子文件夹的示例”("Example of a renamed subfolder")。
要删除，请在右侧面板中选择文件夹，然后右键单击(panel and right-click)或点击并按住其名称。在上下文菜单(context menu)中，选择删除(Delete)。您也可以单击或点击其名称，然后按(name and press)键盘上的Delete键。
该文件夹被立即删除并移至回收站(Recycle Bin)。
您可以在Windows(Windows)中复制、剪切和粘贴文件夹，就像处理文件一样。阅读在Windows中(Windows)剪切(Cut)、复制和粘贴(Copy and Paste)的 5 种方法以了解更多详细信息。
您可以对文件夹执行许多其他操作。在本指南中，我们仅限于基础知识。有关更多有用信息，请阅读：
- 如何通过3 个步骤将任何文件夹固定到Windows 任务栏(Windows taskbar)
- 如何使用PowerShell、CMD或文件资源管理器计算文件夹中的文件(File Explorer)
使用云中的文件夹（OneDrive、Dropbox等）
云存储服务，如OneDrive、Dropbox或Google Drive，提供方便的解决方案来镜像或替换Windows 计算机(Windows computer)上的数据存储。鉴于它们对本地文件系统(file system)的模仿，您也会发现云中使用的文件夹的概念。它们具有组织文件的相同功能。存储在云中的文件夹的优点之一是您可以轻松地与他人共享它们，而无需担心授予对Windows 计算机(Windows computer)的访问权限。
您在Windows 计算机(Windows computer)上创建了多少个文件夹？
在Windows 计算机(Windows computer)上管理文件夹是非常个人化的选择。许多用户喜欢在他们的桌面上转储大量文件，以便他们可以方便地使用。其他人更喜欢将所有文件整齐地组织在文件夹中，并保持桌面(Desktop)干净整洁。你的偏好是什么？您在Windows 计算机(Windows computer)上创建了多少个文件夹？在下面的评论中告诉我们。
What is a folder? Why do I need folders?
The folder term that is present in all modеrn operating systems was used for the first time more than 60 years ago in a computing device. Initially, folders were called directories. But, once graphical user interfaces became the norm, the term was replaсed with fоlders. In the modеrn versions of Windows, folders are easy to use, and, at the same time, allow soрhisticated oрerations for thе рower users. Let's find out togеther what a folder іs and hоw to make use of them on your Windows computer:
NOTE: This guide covers Windows 10, Windows 7, and Windows 8.1. If you do not know your Windows version, read this tutorial: What version of Windows do I have installed?.
What is a folder when it comes to computers and devices?
In Windows and other operating systems, a folder is a place where you can store files and other folders (subfolders). A folder is not just an attribute of the files and folders contained in it, but a separate object that can exist even if no files are contained inside. The paper folders inspire the name.
The ability of folders to contain subfolders leads to a hierarchy that is called a tree. Each tree of folders in Windows has a root folder that is not contained in any other folder. There is one folder tree structure for each partition on your drives in Windows. When a partition is formatted for the first time, the root folder is created to allow Windows to use it.
NOTE: Libraries in Windows are different from folders. Whereas folders have their own physical space on a disk partition, libraries are virtual collections of existing folders and files. For more details, read What are libraries in Windows, and how to use them for organizing your files.
What can you do with folders?
The tree structure suggests the main benefit of folders: to organize your files. You can create folders to store and organize your pictures, your documents, your videos, and so on. Folders are also used to separate the files created by different users. For example, Windows creates separate folders for each user account on your computer, so that files and settings do not get mixed between users.
While many folders in Windows are created by the operating system or by the apps you use, you also can and should create folders to organize your files.
There is no perfect method to create your folders, so do not worry about it. Make sure that the folders you create have names that are easy to understand and unique, and that they can pass the test of time (e.g., using "new" as part of a name is usually a bad idea because in time it may become completely meaningless).
Keep in mind that the folders in Windows can be reorganized. If you start with one folder and the number of files stored in there increases a lot over time, it is a good idea to create subfolders and split the files so that it is easier to find the ones you need.
How to create and manage folders in Windows
File Explorer is the native Windows tool that allows you to view, create, modify and delete folders. Modifying a folder means to change its content. File Explorer allows you to create, move, copy or delete files and subfolders effectively modifying the folder containing them during these procedures. To create a folder in File Explorer, select an existing folder using the navigation panel or the address bar. Remember that you have at least the root folder available, which is the partition you are on. Right-click or tap and hold on an empty space in the right panel and choose New in the context menu and then Folder in the submenu. Alternatively, you can press the CTRL+SHIFT+N keys on your keyboard.
A new folder appears in the right panel with the default name New folder. Overwrite it with your choice of name.
In our example, we chose "Example of a folder". Press enter or click elsewhere on the screen to complete the naming process.
You can create a subfolder and therefore create your own folder tree. First, make the newly created folder your current one by double-clicking or double-tapping on its name. The address bar changes to reflect the path to the new current folder. Repeat the procedure of creating a folder. We choose to name this one "Example of a subfolder".
If you want to rename a folder select it first in the right panel, and then click on its name.
Alternatively, select it and then press F2 on the keyboard. For renaming, we use "Example of a renamed subfolder".
For deletion, select the folder in the right panel and right-click or tap and hold on its name. In the context menu, choose Delete. You can also click or tap on its name and press the Delete key on your keyboard.
The folder is deleted immediately and moved to the Recycle Bin.
You can copy, cut, and paste folders in Windows, just like you do with files. Read 5 ways to Cut, Copy and Paste in Windows for more details.
You can perform many other actions with folders. In this guide, we limited ourselves only to the basics. For more useful information, read:
Working with folders in the cloud (OneDrive, Dropbox, and more)
Cloud storage services, like OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive, offer handy solutions to mirror or replace the storage of data on your Windows computer. Given their mimicking of the local file system, you find the concept of folders used in the cloud as well. They serve the same function of organizing your files. One of the advantages of the folders stored in the cloud is that you can easily share them with others without worrying about granting access to your Windows computer.
How many folders do you create on your Windows computer?
Managing folders on your Windows computer is a deeply personal choice. Many users prefer to dump a lot of files on their desktop so that they can have them handy. Others prefer to organize all their files neatly in folders and keep their Desktop squeaky clean. What is your preference? How many folders do you create on your Windows computer? Let us know in a comment below.
