How to Create and Manage Libraries in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Libraries in Windows offer an efficient way to organize files, regardless of their actual locations on your disk. This feature is particularly useful for keeping personal documents, images, videos, and other frequently used data in one easily accessible place. In this guide, we'll walk through the steps to create and manage libraries in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What Are Libraries in Windows?

Libraries are virtual folders that collect files from various locations on your computer, displaying them in one centralized view. This makes it easier to find and manage files, as they can be spread across different folders or drives but appear in one library.

How to Enable Libraries

By default, libraries may be hidden in the File Explorer on Windows 10 and Windows 11. To make them visible, follow these steps:

  1. Open File Explorer (press Win + E).
  2. Go to the View tab.
  3. Select Navigation Pane and check Show libraries. The Libraries section should now appear in File Explorer.

Creating a New Library

To create a new library, follow these steps:

  1. In File Explorer, navigate to the Libraries section.
  2. Right-click on an empty space in the window and select New > Library.
  3. Name the new library, for example, "Work Documents" or "Personal Files."

Adding Folders to a Library

To add folders to a library:

  1. Open the library by double-clicking it.
  2. Select Include a folder in the library from the top menu.
  3. Choose the folder you want to add to the library.

Now, the selected folder will be part of the library, and its contents will be accessible through the library.

Customizing Libraries

You can adjust library settings by changing its default location or setting a priority for certain folders. To do this:

  1. Right-click on the library and select Properties.
  2. In the Properties window, you can:
    • Add or remove folders – use the Add and Remove buttons.
    • Set the default save location – choose a folder and click Set save location to save new files there.
    • Optimize the library for a specific type of file – select a type like "Documents," "Music," or "Videos" to enhance file sorting and display.

Deleting a Library

If you no longer need a specific library, you can delete it. This will not delete the files themselves; it only removes the library from File Explorer.

  1. Right-click on the library and choose Delete.
  2. Confirm the deletion. The library will disappear, but all files will remain in their original folders.