How do I open an .ini file?

Open it in Notepad or any text editor — it is plain text organized into [sections] with key=value lines.

What is desktop.ini for?

It stores a folder's custom icon, name or view settings for Windows Explorer. It is normal and safe.

Is it safe to delete an .ini file?

Usually — the program recreates it with defaults. Back it up first if it holds settings you want to keep.

What Is an .INI File?

You found an .ini file, maybe desktop.ini, in a folder. It is a settings file. Here is how to read it and whether to touch it.

What an .ini file is

An .ini file is a plain-text configuration file that stores settings as key = value pairs grouped under [sections]. Many Windows programs and games use them to remember options.

How to open it

It is just text — open it in Notepad or any editor. Example:

[Display]
Width=1920
Height=1080

What desktop.ini does

desktop.ini is a special hidden .ini that customizes a folder's icon, name or view in Windows Explorer. It is normal and safe to leave alone.

Is it safe to edit or delete?

Editing changes the program's settings — back it up first. Deleting a program's .ini usually resets it to defaults. Deleting desktop.ini just removes folder customizations.