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What are blue double arrows in File Explorer Windows 11, 10?


If you see the blue double arrows in the file explorer under Windows 11 or 10 next to the folders in the right corner, it is the right question!




At first you probably think there are special folders under Windows 11 or 10, the blue double arrows at the top right indicate that the folder is compressed . Compression has been a part of Windows for a very long time, but in Windows 11 / Windows 10 this compression is countersigned with a blue double arrow! 


 
Content:

1.) ... The reason for the blue double arrows in the file explorer!
2.) ... Detailed information about the blue double arrows in the file explorer!
3.) ... Why are these blue double arrows in File Explorer?

1.) The reason for the blue double arrows in the file explorer!

Each folder can be compressed under Windows 11, 10, ... etc. to save space on the hard disk

1. Right-click on the corresponding folder 

2. Properties option

3. Button: Advanced 

4. Option:  "Compress content to save disk space "

5. Then simply confirm with [OK]

(... see Image-1 Point 1 to 4)

The compressed folders are supported in all MS File Explorers, such as MS File Explorer, Quad Explorer, ... etc. ! 

(Image-2) Blue double arrow in File Explorer for compressed folders!
Blue double arrow in File Explorer for compressed folders!

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2.) Detailed information about the blue double arrows in the file explorer!



Blue double arrows in Windows File Explorer can also indicate that a file or folder is compressed. However, this depends on your system settings and configuration.

Windows allows you to compress files and folders to save storage space. When you turn on compression for a file or folder, they usually appear with a blue double-arrow icon to indicate that they are compressed. This icon indicates that the file or folder is smaller because it has been compressed.



The meaning of the icons in File Explorer may vary depending on installed applications and system settings. If you're not sure why a particular icon appears in your File Explorer, you can check the file or folder attributes by right-clicking the item, selecting "Properties," and then selecting the "General" tab . or open “Advanced”. There you may find additional information about the file or folder and why the icon appears.

The blue double arrows and other visual representation under Windows 11!


In File Explorer in Windows 10 and Windows 11, blue double arrows usually symbolize that a file or folder is stored outside of local storage due to sync settings with a cloud service such as OneDrive or another service. This means the file or folder has a copy on your computer, but is also stored in the cloud.

The blue double arrows are a visual representation to indicate that the file or folder is backed up in the cloud and therefore can be accessed from different devices. When you open or edit such a file or folder, the file is synchronized to the cloud in real time. Changes made on one device are automatically reflected on other devices where you use the same cloud service.

If you want to disable or change syncing for a specific folder or file, you can do so in your cloud service's settings, e.g. BB in OneDrive settings.



It is important to note that the exact meaning and appearance of icons in File Explorer may vary depending on the version of Windows, updates, and applications used. Therefore, it may be a good idea to consult the documentation for your specific version of Windows to make sure you understand the meaning of the icons correctly.




3.) Why are these blue double arrows in File Explorer?

The blue double arrows in Windows are usually displayed in blue to distinguish them from other icons and annotations in File Explorer. The color blue is often used to indicate special states or properties of files or folders that differ from the default configuration.

On Windows, the blue double arrows usually mean the following:

Files stored in the cloud:

As mentioned, blue is often used to indicate that a file is stored in the cloud and is being synced through online services such as OneDrive. This is to highlight the availability and synchronization of these files.

Compressed files or folders:
Blue double arrows can also be used to mark compressed files or folders to indicate that they are in a compressed state. In this case, the blue arrows indicate that the contents of these items are compressed to save disk space.

However, the exact meaning and appearance of the icons in File Explorer may vary from version to version of Windows, especially if updates or third-party applications are installed. If you are unsure about the meaning of a particular symbol, you can check the element's properties for more information.



Updated on: 27 October 2023 19:30 Windows
Keywords: explorer, what, blue, double, arrows, file, windows, 11, folders, right, corner, question, first


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Questions for this:
  1. How do the blue double arrows affect file size in Windows 11?
  2. Why do the blue double arrows only appear sometimes in Windows 11?
  3. Is there a notification in Windows 11 when a folder is compressed?
  4. Is there a way to use the blue double arrows in Windows 11 for backups?
  5. What are the advantages of the blue double arrows in Windows 11?
  6. How do I enable folder compression in Windows 11 to show blue double arrows?
  7. How do I disable the blue double arrows in File Explorer in Windows 11?
  8. Does the blue double arrows automatically update compression in Windows 11?
  9. How do I find all compressed folders in Windows 11 at once?
  10. Are the blue double arrows only visible on compressed folders in Windows 11?
  11. What happens if I move a compressed folder in Windows 11?
  12. Is there a tool that manages the blue double arrows in Windows 11?
  13. Can I see the blue double arrows in Windows 11 in dark mode?
  14. How do the blue double arrows in Windows 11 work with RAID systems?
  15. Why do I see blue double arrows in File Explorer on Windows 11?
  16. Can the blue double arrows in Windows 11 also appear in custom file managers?
  17. Is there a shortcut to compress folders in Windows 11?
  18. Can I undo compression in Windows 11 if I don't want the blue double arrows?
  19. Is there a way to hide the blue double arrows without disabling compression in Windows 11?
  20. Do the blue double arrows also appear on external drives in Windows 11?
  21. Is there an icon like the blue double arrows for encrypted folders in Windows 11?
  22. Can the blue double arrows also appear in system folders in Windows 11?
  23. How can I ensure that the blue double arrows are displayed correctly in Windows 11?
  24. Can I export compression settings in Windows 11?
  25. How can I remove the blue double arrows in Windows 11?
  26. What happens to the blue double arrows when I upgrade or downgrade Windows 11?
  27. Is there a notification when compression fails in Windows 11?
  28. How much storage space can I save with compression in Windows 11?
  29. How can I find out if a folder is compressed in Windows 11?
  30. Can I disable the blue double arrows for specific folders in Windows 11?
  31. How do I change folder compression settings in Windows 11?
  32. What are the system requirements for folder compression in Windows 11?
  33. What do I do if the blue double arrows don't appear in Windows 11?
  34. Can I see the blue double arrows in Windows 11 on a USB stick?
  35. Can I disable the blue double arrows in Windows 11 using Group Policy?
  36. Why are the blue double arrows only visible for certain folders in Windows 11?
  37. How can I compress multiple folders at once in Windows 11?
  38. Why are the blue double arrows missing from some compressed folders in Windows 11?
  39. What are the risks of compression in Windows 11, indicated by blue double arrows?
  40. What is the difference between compressed and encrypted files in Windows 11?
  41. How do the blue double arrows affect file indexing in Windows 11?
  42. What do the blue double arrows next to my folders mean in Windows 11?
  43. Are the blue double arrows in Windows 11 safe for my data?
  44. How do I turn off the visual display of the blue double arrows in Windows 11?
  45. Can I automate compression in Windows 11?
  46. Can I disable the blue double arrows in Windows 11 using the command line?
  47. How do I recognize compressed files in Windows 11 other than by the blue double arrows?
  48. Which file formats are affected by compression and the blue double arrows in Windows 11?
  49. Can I personalize the blue double arrows in Windows 11?
  50. How does the display of the blue double arrows in Windows 11 differ from Windows 10?
  51. What files do the blue double arrows show in Windows 11?
  52. Can I deactivate the blue double arrows in Windows 11 using a registry entry?
  53. Why aren't the blue double arrows visible on all devices in Windows 11?
  54. How do the blue double arrows affect the file search function in Windows 11?
  55. Can I also see the blue double arrows for individual files in Windows 11?
  56. Can I change the color of the double arrows in Windows 11?
  57. Is blue double arrow compression automatically enabled in Windows 11?
  58. Do the blue double arrows appear in cloud sync in Windows 11?
  59. Are there alternatives to the blue double arrows in Windows 11 for compression?
  60. Do the blue double arrows in Windows 11 really help save storage space?
  61. How to check compression efficiency in Windows 11?
  62. Are the blue double arrows a new feature of Windows 11?
  63. Do all Windows 11 versions have the blue double arrows for compressed folders?
  64. What other icons are similar to the blue double arrows in Windows 11?
  65. Do the blue double arrows slow down Windows 11 performance?
  66. What exactly do the blue double arrows in Windows 11 File Explorer mean?


  

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