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Windows Directory Tree

About

Who writes this site

Section titled “Who writes this site”

The Windows Directory Tree is written and maintained by AltF4 Formation, a site of guides and videos on Windows administration. The site documents the role, contents and logs of the native Windows folders, files and logs, for technicians and administrators who wonder what an item is for and whether they can touch it.

Method

Section titled “Method”
  • Official sources. Every page links, in its “Official sources” column, to at least one Microsoft page (Microsoft Learn, Microsoft support, Microsoft technical blogs). A page without a source is not published.
  • Checked content, doubts flagged. What is not established is not claimed. Points to confirm are tracked separately, outside the public text, and an incomplete page carries a “draft” notice at the bottom.
  • Indicative risk level. “Safe”, “Caution” and “Do not touch” answer the question “can this item be deleted or modified?”. It is a reading aid, not a guarantee: see the legend.
  • Update date. Every page shows the date of its last update. The same date is published in the page’s structured data and in the sitemap.
  • Two languages. French is the reference version; the English version is a translation of the same pages.

Limits

Section titled “Limits”
  • The site covers Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2022 and Windows Server 2025. A path, a name or the contents may vary with the version, the edition, the system language or the installed updates.
  • The information is provided for guidance. Before deleting or modifying a system item, make a backup and test on a non-critical machine first.
  • The site is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by Microsoft. “Windows” and the other product names belong to their owners.

Report a mistake

Section titled “Report a mistake”

This site is written and maintained by its author alone, who makes any corrections: reports of mistakes are welcome. If you spot a mistake, an inaccuracy or a broken link, write to windows@altf4-formation.fr and say which page it is about. Every page also has a “Report a mistake” link at the bottom that pre-fills the message with its name and address.

License

Section titled “License”
  • Site content (the entries and the text pages): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
    • You may share and adapt it, in any medium.
    • Provided you credit “AltF4 Formation” with a link to www.altf4-formation.fr, and indicate any changes.
    • No commercial use.
    • Any adaptation must be shared under the same terms (same license).
  • Site code: MIT license.
  • Trademarks: Microsoft product names belong to Microsoft; this site is not affiliated with Microsoft.

Support this site

This site is free and ad-free. A voluntary donation helps keep it up to date and growing.

Support me on Ko-fi(external link)

Other references

  • ADMX ExplorerComing soonReference for Group Policy settings (ADMX templates) for Windows and applications.