Windows File System Structure
Last Updated :
28 Jul, 2025
The Windows file system structure is a hierarchical organization of files and directories (folders) managed by the Windows operating system. It helps users and programs store, access, and manage data efficiently on storage devices like hard drives and SSDs.
In computing, a File System is responsible for controlling how data is stored, organized, and retrieved from storage devices. It serves as the method and data structure that an operating system uses to keep track of files on a disk or partition. A file system breaks down the data we input into manageable pieces and assigns each piece a unique name, making it easier to isolate, identify, and access.
Without a file system, data stored on a storage medium would exist as one large, unstructured block, with no way to determine where one piece of information ends and another begins. This would make data retrieval, editing, and organization nearly impossible.
Hierarchical File Structure
The hierarchical file structure in Windows OS organizes files and folders in a tree-like format, where data is stored at different levels. Each file or folder is kept inside another folder (called a directory) based on its type or use, making it easier to manage and find information.
-
C:\ - This is the main directory (also called the root) of the C: drive. All other folders and files branch out from here. Windows\ -This is the system directory where all core files needed to run the Windows OS are stored.Program Files\ - This folder holds installed software applications (for 64-bit systems).Users\ - This directory contains user account data — documents, downloads, settings, etc.- Temp\ - This is a folder for temporary files. It is used by Windows and various applications to store temporary data.
System32\ - A subfolder inside Windows It contains vital system files, such as drivers, DLLs, and executables, required for system operations.
Example: cmd.exe, taskmgr.exe live here.AppName\ - Represents an example application folder inside Program Files. Every installed software usually has its folder here.Public\ - Files in this folder are accessible to all users on the system.Sujal\ - This is a user profile folder for a specific user named Sujal. Each user on the system has a folder like this.Documents\ - A personal folder under the Sujal profile for storing documents. It’s part of the user’s library folders (like Desktop, Pictures, Downloads).
File Name
- The file name is the user-defined portion of a file.
- It can include letters, numbers, and certain symbols (except special characters like
\ / : * ? " < > |). - It helps users recognize and organize files based on purpose, such as
invoice2025, holidayphoto, or project_notes.
File Extensions
- A file extension is the suffix at the end of a file name, typically separated by a dot (e.g.,
.docx, .mp4, .exe). - It identifies the file's format and instructs the operating system on which application to use for opening or executing the file.
| Extension | File Type | Default Program (example) |
|---|
.docx | Word Document | Microsoft Word |
.png | Image File | Photos, Paint, Photoshop |
.exe | Executable Application | Runs directly as a program |
.txt | Text File | Notepad or any text editor |
.mp4 | Video File | Windows Media Player, VLC, etc. |
Types of File Systems
The three most common file systems in Windows are as follows :
FAT (File Allocation Table)
The FAT full form is the File Allocation Table. Microsoft created the file system known as file allocation table, or FAT, for hard drives. It is used by operating systems to manage files on hard drives. The clusters on a storage drive and the relationships between them via related directories and files are tracked by the FAT system using a table. The table is essential to the allocation and storage of files. Although it occasionally refers to the table itself, the abbreviation (FAT) refers to the file system.
Advantages
- Storage: Supports partition sizes upto 8 Terabytes.
- Scope: It is the oldest of the 3 file systems available on windows OS. Due to which it is used widely by a large number of manufacturers of computer appliances like USB drives, Game Consoles etc.
- Compatibility With other Filesystems: FAT32 filesystem allows easy conversion routes. Therefore, a volume having FAT32 as files system could be converted to an NTFS volume without any data loss.
- Compatibility: The filesystem is compatible with most operating systems in existence, such as Linux, Windows, MacOS
Disadvantages
- Has negligible amount of security to the data stored. Therefore, data could be tampered illicitly
- Has no fault tolerance
- No support for Encryption of individual file or folder
- No support for data recovery in case of data loss, as opposed to newer file systems which implement certain measures for ease in data recovery in case of data loss (ex. NTFS has Journaling which could be used for speeding up the process of data recovery)
- No longer being supported by several technological manufacturers, due to newer/better filesystems taking precedence
HPFS (High Performance File System)
The High Performance File System (HPFS) is a disk file system introduced in the late 1980s through a joint effort between Microsoft and IBM, specifically developed for use with the OS/2 operating system. At the time, the widely used FAT (File Allocation Table) file system was facing significant limitations in terms of speed, efficiency, and scalability. HPFS was created as a more advanced alternative to overcome these drawbacks and meet the growing demands of modern computing environments.
Unlike FAT, which had a simplistic design and limited capabilities, HPFS was built with performance, organization, and support for large storage systems in mind. It introduced several innovations that made it more suitable for business and professional use.
Advanatages
- Support Long File Names : Enables the use of descriptive file names up to 255 characters, a significant upgrade over FAT’s limited 8.3 (eight-character name and three-character extension) format.
- Faster File Access : Utilizes B-tree directory structures, which allow for more efficient file organization, faster searching, and quicker access to files, especially in directories with a large number of entries.
- Enhanced Reliability – Incorporates built-in error recovery mechanisms and advanced disk caching, improving both the stability and performance of the file system during read/write operations.
- Reduced File Fragmentation – Optimizes file placement by storing data contiguously on disk whenever possible, which minimizes fragmentation and results in faster read/write performance.
Disadvantages
- Limited Compatibility – Originally designed for OS/2, HPFS is not supported by modern Windows operating systems, making it unsuitable for contemporary environments.
- Outdated Technology – Now largely obsolete, HPFS has been superseded by NTFS, which provides superior performance, enhanced security features, and broader compatibility with modern systems.
- No Journaling Support – Does not include a journaling mechanism, which makes crash recovery and data integrity protection less reliable compared to modern file systems like NTFS.
NTFS (New Technology File System)
A file system is a structure used by an operating system to organize and manage files on a storage device such as a hard drive or USB flash drive. NTFS stands for New Technology File System is one such file system. It is a proprietary file system developed by Microsoft for Windows. It was introduced with Windows NT and is now the default file system for modern Windows versions.
It offers features like file compression, encryption, and advanced security through permissions. NTFS file system has many technical benefits over other file systems such as an improved version as compared to FAT (File Allocation Table ) and an improved support for metadata as compared to HPFS (High Performance File System).
Advantages
- Easily recovers file system and supports long file names.
- Provides users with local security by protecting files and directories.
- NTFS is a journaling file system.
- It supports spanning volumes spread across several physical drives.
- Support larger sized hard drives with increasing general performance of the drive .
Disadvantages
- NTFS performance does not decrease as FAT does.
- Removable devices such as Android smart phones, do not support NTFS.
- Doesn't include a system that guarantee file system performance.
Metadata in File System
Metadata in a file system refers to the descriptive information about a file, rather than the file's actual content. It plays a crucial role in organizing, managing, and accessing files efficiently. Instead of storing the contents of a document, image, or program, metadata contains details such as the file’s name, size, type, and physical location on the disk. It also includes timestamps that indicate when the file was created, last modified, and last accessed.
Metadata holds critical information about file permissions, which define who can read, write, or execute the file. On systems like Windows (NTFS), metadata is managed through special structures like the Master File Table (MFT), which maintains metadata entries for every file and directory. This allows the operating system to quickly retrieve file properties without scanning the entire disk.
Metadata also includes attributes like "read-only", "hidden", or "system", helping the OS handle files based on user or system needs. It supports advanced features such as symbolic links, file compression, and indexing. In essence, metadata is the backbone of file system organization, enabling both users and the OS to locate, secure, and manage files effectively.
Meta data of test imageKey Points of Metadata
- File Name : A user-friendly identifier assigned to the file, typically including a name and extension (e.g.,
report.docx) that indicates its type and purpose. File Type : Based on the file extension (e.g., .txt, .jpg). - File Size : Indicates the amount of storage the file consumes on the disk, typically measured in bytes, kilobytes, or larger units depending on its size.
- File Type : Specifies the file type or format, usually identified by its extension (e.g.,
.txt, .jpg, .exe), which determines how the file is opened and processed by the system. - Location (Pointer) : Refers to the physical or logical address on the storage device where the file’s actual data is saved and accessed by the operating system.
- Timestamps : Contains timestamp information such as the file’s creation time, last modified time, and last accessed time, helping track its usage history.
- permissions : Defines access permissions specifying which users, groups, or others have the rights to read, write, or execute the file.
Access Control and Permissions in Windows File System
Access Control in the Windows file system refers to the mechanism used to regulate which users or system processes are allowed to access, modify, or execute files and folders. It ensures that only authorized users can perform specific actions on a file or directory.
This system plays a vital role in protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and misuse. Access control is managed through permissions and user roles,
which define what level of access each user or group has. By enforcing these rules, Windows maintains system integrity, data security, and operational reliability.
In the Windows file system, permissions define the level of access that users or groups have to files and folders. They specify what actions can be performed, such as reading, writing, or executing a file. These permissions are a core component of the system’s security model, and they are mainly handled by the NTFS (New Technology File System), which supports detailed and flexible permission settings for better control and protection of data.
Permissions of a folder for specific userThere are some common NTFS Permissions includes
- Read : Allows the user to view the contents of a file or folder, including reading the file’s data and seeing its attributes and permissions.
- Write : Grants permission to add new data or make changes to an existing file. In folders, it also allows creating new files and subfolders.
- Execute : Permits the user to run executable files or applications. For folders, it allows navigating into the folder (traversal).
- Modify : Combines read, write, and delete permissions. Users can change content, rename files, or delete them, but cannot change ownership or permissions.
- Full Control : Provides complete access to the file or folder, including all of the above rights. It also allows users to change permissions and take ownership of files or folders.
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What is MAC Spoofing Attack?MAC Spoofing is a type of attack used to exploit flaws in the authentication mechanism implemented by wired and wireless networking hardware. In layman’s terms, MAC spoofing is when someone or something intercepts, manipulate or otherwise tampers with the control messages exchanged between a network
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How to Prevent MAC Flooding?A flood of MAC addresses is a serious concern for ethical hackers because it can leave your system vulnerable to attack. In order to prevent this from happening, consider some of the following precautions: Use secure passwords.Install and use antivirus software.Update your operating system on a regu
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What is Port Stealing?Cyber security is the security of the web and related services related to the web. Cyber security is the way to prevent many cyber attacks from taking place. Cyber security ensures that awareness of the cyber-attacks along with the different forms of cyber attacks are well-known to people so that th
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Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a network protocol used to automate the process of assigning IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices (such as computers, smartphones and printers) on a network. Instead of manually configuring each device with an IP address, DHCP allo
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DHCP Starvation AttackDHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is used to assign IP addresses to machines within any network automatically. It is also known as zeroconf protocol, as network administrators don't need to assign IP addresses to machines manually. To assign IP addresses, DHCP makes use of DORA packets whic
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What is Rogue DHCP Server Attack?Rogue DHCP server attacks are gaining popularity but can be mitigated. The hacker sets up a rogue DHCP server and creates an IP address conflict by broadcasting a duplicate IP address. Hackers infiltrate a network by attacking the wireless router, which they do with ARP poisoning in order to inject
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What is ARP Spoofing Attack?Spoofing is a type of attack in which hackers gain access to the victim's system by gaining the trust of the victim (target user) to spread the malicious code of the malware and steal data such as passwords and PINs stored in the system.In Spoofing, psychologically manipulating the victim is the mai
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How to Prevent DNS Poisoning and Spoofing?The domain name system, or DNS, is a naming system for computers, services, and other internet resources that is hierarchical in nature. It's essentially the internet's phone book. Each domain name has a corresponding set of ten or so numbers that make up the domain name's IP address. Simple, user-f
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DNS Spoofing or DNS Cache poisoningPrerequisite - Domain Name Server Before Discussing DNS Spoofing, First, discuss what is DNS.A Domain Name System (DNS) converts a human-readable name (such as www.geeksforgeeks.org) to a numeric IP address. The DNS system responds to one or more IP-address by which your computer connects to a websi
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How to Detect Sniffer in Your Network?Sniffers are software or hardware devices that can be used for wiretapping over a computer network, such as LAN or WAN. They are used to collect data by listening and capturing IP packets. These devices usually have the ability of recording data which includes email, chat, web browsing, and informat
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Mitigation of DHCP Starvation AttackIn a DHCP starvation attack, an attacker creates spoofed DHCP requests with the goal of consuming all available IP addresses that a DHCP server can allocate. This attack targets DHCP servers. The attack could deny service to authorized network users. In other words, a malicious cyberattack that targ
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Social Engineering
What is Social Engineering? Working, Types, Prevention and ImpactSocial Engineering is an umbrella term for multiple malicious activities done by cyber criminals over the internet through human interaction. It doesn't involve the use of technical hacking techniques. Attackers use psychology and manipulation to trick users into performing actions that could compro
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What is Insider Attack?Cyber attacks on organizations are increasing both in number and magnitude. Often carried out by attackers with intentions to harm an organization, gain financial benefits, pursue political motives, spread terror, etc., these attacks always cost organizations in one form or another. Cyber security i
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What is an Impersonation Attack?An impersonation attack is a threat where hackers impersonate trusted people or organizations—such as your boss, bank, or a well-known service used by companies, to the trick victims so that they can give sensitive information, funds, or access to systems. Unlike classical malware-based attacks (e.g
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What are Tailgating?Tailgating is a term that refers to the practice of parking along the side of a road, usually by an open field or parking lot. Tailgaters are not only prohibited from entering the highway itself, but also have no right to drive on it at all. The term “tailgater†comes from tail-end Charlie, which me
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How Hackers Use Social Engineering to Get Passwords on Facebook?Social engineering is a powerful method for hackers to exploit computer systems without the use of malware or computer hacking tools. To carry out a successful social engineering hack, ethical hackers need to understand how to effectively use social media and human interaction to obtain sensitive in
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Pretexting in Social EngineeringPretexting is a social engineering technique that's used by hackers, spammers, and pranksters to assume and exploit the trust of an individual. It's been defined as the act of taking on an identity (usually those of a trusted person, such as a customer service representative) for the purpose of gain
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Credit Card FraudsThis era belongs to technology where technology becomes a basic part of our lives whether in business or home which requires connectivity with the internet and it is a big challenge to secure these units from being a sufferer of cyber-crime. Wireless credit card processing is a tremendously new serv
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Active Social Engineering Defense (ASED)A proactive tactic called Active Social Engineering Defense (ASED) is used to lessen the risk of being the target of social engineers. We must first comprehend social engineering in order better to comprehend active social engineering defense (ASED). Social Engineering Attack:Without the use of malw
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Cyber Crime - Identity TheftIdentity Theft also called Identity Fraud is a crime that is being committed by a huge number nowadays. Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud. This theft is committed in many ways by gathering personal information such as transactional information of an
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Penetration Testing - Software EngineeringPenetration testing, or pen testing, is a practice where a simulated cyber attack is conducted on your computer systems to find and fix any weak spots before real attackers can exploit them. It focuses on web application security, where testers try to breach parts like APIs and servers to uncover vu
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Denial-of-Service
Distributed Denial of Service DDoS attackImagine a scenario where you are visiting some websites and one of them seems to be a little slow. You might blame their servers for improving their scalability as they might be experiencing a lot of user traffic on their site. Most of the sites already take this issue into account beforehand. Chanc
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What are Bandwidth Attacks?Bandwidth attacks in ethical hacking target a network's bandwidth, and by extension, its available computing resources. A hacker can overload a network by sending a high number of packets to the computer or server at once. The processing power and memory in the system is limited and once it reaches
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HTTP Flood AttackCyber crimes are increasing with the growing demand for the internet. With an increasing number of cybercrime cases reported each year, awareness of cyberattacks is very important. Cyber crimes/cyberattacks are done by hackers who unethically want to breach user data and steal sensitive information
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ICMP Flood DDoS AttackIn today's world, Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have become a major threat to present computer networks. DDoS is a kind of attack in which an attacker targets the victim's network resources such as bandwidth or memory so that the victim may stop responding
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Ping Flood AttackA Ping Flood Attack, or ICMP Attack (Internet Control Message Protocol Attack), is a type of offensive cyberattack utilized to attack the targeted device—computer, server, or network—with a flood of false requests. It is a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, as it is intended to disrupt normal operation
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What is a Permanent DoS (PDoS) Attack?In today's modern world, we often come across the term Cybercrime or Cyberattacks very frequently. With the increasing demand for the internet, cybercrime occurrence has taken a great spike. Cyber crimes are crimes involving cyber technology/computer networks. Cyberattacks are extremely dangerous as
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What is Phlashing?Phlashing is a type of Denial of Service (DoS) Attack, also known as a Permanent Denial of Service Attack (PDoS) which is very severe because there is no way to undo this attack's consequences as it damages/corrupts the system to such an extreme level that there is no other way except to replace or
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