What Does "Customize Folder" Do?

I just installed another HDD and noticed for the first time that when you open a disk or partition's Properties in File Explorer there is a Customize Tab (yeah - real observant!)

In this tab there are 2 options: Use a custom icon, and "Optimize the folder for".

It asks: "What kind of folder do you want?"
You can optimize folder for: General Items, Documents, Pictures, Music, or Video.

My question is what does this option actually do on a disk? Are the files written to disk differently based on your selection? Is there any benefit to using these settings?

Hello @TV2,

TV2 said:

I just installed another HDD and noticed for the first time that when you open a disk or partition's Properties in File Explorer there is a Customize Tab (yeah - real observant!)

In this tab there are 2 options: Use a custom icon, and "Optimize the folder for".

It asks: "What kind of folder do you want?"
You can optimize folder for: General Items, Documents, Pictures, Music, or Video.

My question is what does this option actually do on a disk? Are the files written to disk differently based on your selection? Is there any benefit to using these settings?

That is observant !

For what it's worth, I too have the Customize folder. I clean installed a couple of years ago. I just ignored it as I prefer to set things up on the fly . . .

Hi, as I think you know, this applies the selected template to that folder.

Basically that changes how the data within the folder is displayed typically in Details view. If it is set to Music, it will show data that is pertinent to music such as title, artist, etc.

Related:
Change Folder Template in Windows 10

Thanks dalchina! That explains it.

"Hi, as I think you know, this applies the selected template to that folder."
Nope. I did not know that!

This is yet again an example MS trying to tell me how to organize my files and folders. Never! I stubbornly continue to do it my way, which is probably why I never saw that option in the first place!

I'd throw you some rep but can't again yet. So thank you here.

thanks..