Q.
Create files of specific types, changing file properties & permissions, search files based
on criteria. Creating hierarchy of folders, folder paths, changing folder properties and
related operations on folders. File compressions, file backup and cloud-based file
management.
On the Windows operating system, file and folder management can be performed easily
using the Graphical User Interface (GUI) provided by File Explorer. To create files of
specific types, the user can right-click inside any folder, select New, and choose the required
file type such as a Text Document, Word document, or folder. Files can be renamed by right-
clicking and selecting Rename. File properties such as size, location, creation date, and type
can be viewed by right-clicking the file and choosing Properties. From the General tab,
attributes like Read-only and Hidden can be enabled, while the Security tab allows
changing file permissions by granting or restricting access (Read, Write, Modify, or Full
Control) to specific users.
Windows also provides powerful search capabilities through File Explorer. Users can search
for files by name, type, size, or date by typing keywords or filters (such as *.txt or *.jpg)
into the search bar. Advanced filters like Date Modified, Size, and Kind help narrow results,
and Windows can even search within the contents of files. For organizing data, users can
create a hierarchy of folders by creating folders within folders, allowing logical structuring
of data. The full folder path can be viewed by clicking on the address bar, which helps in
identifying the exact location of files and directories on the system.
Folder properties and related operations are also handled through the GUI. Users can copy,
move, rename, or delete folders using right-click options or drag-and-drop actions. Folder
permissions can be modified from the Security tab in the folder’s Properties window,
ensuring controlled access to the files inside. For file compression, Windows supports built-in
ZIP functionality—users can right-click a file or folder and select Send to → Compressed
(zipped) folder, reducing storage size and making file sharing easier. These ZIP files can
later be extracted using the Extract All option.
File backup and cloud-based file management are seamlessly integrated into Windows.
Important files can be backed up manually by copying them to an external drive or by using
File History, which automatically backs up selected folders. Windows also includes
OneDrive, a cloud storage service that synchronizes files between the local system and the
cloud. By saving files in the OneDrive folder, users ensure automatic cloud backup and
access from multiple devices. Together, these GUI-based features make Windows a user-
friendly and efficient platform for managing files, folders, backups, and cloud storage.
1. Creating Files of Specific Types (GUI)
Steps (File Explorer)
1. Right-click in a folder → New
2. Choose file type:
o Text Document → [Link]
o Microsoft Word Document → [Link]
o Bitmap Image → [Link]
3. Rename the file and press Enter
2. Changing File Properties & Permissions (GUI)
View File Properties
1. Right-click the file → Properties
2. General tab shows:
o File type
o Location (path)
o Size
o Created / Modified dates
Change File Attributes
1. Right-click file → Properties
2. Under General:
o ✔ Read-only
o ✔ Hidden
3. Click Apply → OK
Change File Permissions
1. Right-click file → Properties
2. Go to Security tab
3. Click Edit
4. Select a user
5. Allow / Deny:
o Read
o Write
o Modify
o Full Control
6. Click Apply → OK
3. Searching Files Based on Criteria (GUI)
Search by File Name / Type
1. Open File Explorer
2. Go to a drive or folder
3. Type in Search box (top-right):
o *.txt
o report
o *.jpg
Search by Date / Size
1. Click Search tab (appears after clicking search box)
2. Use filters:
o Date modified
o Size
o Kind
Search Text Inside Files
1. Type keyword in search box
2. Windows searches file content automatically
4. Creating Folder Hierarchy & Folder Paths (GUI)
Create Folders
1. Right-click → New → Folder
2. Name it (e.g., Project)
Create Folder Hierarchy
Example:
Project
└── Docs
└── Reports
Steps:
1. Create Project
2. Open it → create Docs
3. Open Docs → create Reports
View Folder Path
1. Click inside Address bar
2. Full path appears, e.g.:
C:\Users\Student\Documents\Project\Docs\Reports
5. Changing Folder Properties & Operations (GUI)
Rename Folder
Right-click folder → Rename
Copy Folder
Right-click → Copy
Right-click destination → Paste
Move Folder
Drag & drop
OR Right-click → Cut → Paste
Delete Folder
Right-click → Delete
OR press Delete key
Folder Permissions
1. Right-click folder → Properties
2. Security tab
3. Assign user permissions
4. Applies to all files inside
6. File Compression (GUI)
Compress Files/Folders (ZIP)
1. Right-click file/folder
2. Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder
3. [Link] is created
Extract ZIP File
1. Right-click ZIP file
2. Extract All
3. Choose destination → Extract
7. File Backup (GUI)
Manual Backup
1. Copy important files
2. Paste into:
o External USB drive
o Backup folder
Example: The Different type of Files has been created in a folder as shown below:
Example 2: To change the properties of File