Windows categorize files or folder names using color schemes to make them easier to identify. If a file or folder is compressed, Windows shows its name in color blue. Windows automatically compresses some files or folders to save space on your hard drive. A file or folder name in color green indicates that it is encrypted. If a file or folder is neither compressed nor encrypted, its name will be displayed in default color black. Referring to the screenshot below, Test 1, Test 3, and Test 2.txt are compressed, while Test 2 folder is encrypted. Test 1.txt is neither encrypted nor compressed.
If you prefer not to have these color schemes enabled on your file and folder names, you can disable this feature by performing the steps below:
Disable Color Coding for Encrypted and Compressed NTFS Files
STEP 1: Launch Windows Explorer.
STEP 2: Click Organize, then select Folder and search options.
NOTE: For Windows XP, click Tools, then select Folder Options.
STEP 3: When the Folder Options window appears, click the View tab.
STEP 4: Under Advanced settings, uncheck the Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color option.
STEP 5: Click Apply, then OK. Now Windows will never show encrypted or compressed file or folder names in blue or green color.
If you prefer to show a selected file or folder name in the default black color without disabling the color coding option as mentioned above, follow the steps below:
STEP 1: Right-click on the file or folder that has a colored name, and then select Properties.
STEP 2: Click the Advanced button, then uncheck Compress contents to save disk space and Encrypt contents to secure data.
STEP 3: Click OK to save your changes.
