Show Compressed NTFS Files in Blue Text Registry

By default, Windows File Explorer can highlight compressed NTFS files and folders in blue text to easily distinguish them from standard files. This visual setting is controlled through the Windows Registry using a specific DWORD value named ShowCompColor. This guide outlines the exact registry location, the value data required to enable or disable the colored text, and step-by-step instructions to apply the change.

Registry Location and Values

The setting is stored under the current user’s profile in the Windows Registry:

• Registry Path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
• Value Name: ShowCompColor
• Value Type: REG_DWORD (32-bit Value)
• Value Data:
  • 1 = Enabled (Compressed files appear in blue text; encrypted files appear in green text)
  • 0 = Disabled (Compressed and encrypted files display in standard text color)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Press Windows Key + R, type regedit into the Run dialog box, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

2. Navigate to the following key in the left pane:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

3. Locate the ShowCompColor entry in the right pane.

   • If ShowCompColor does not exist, right-click on the Advanced folder, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it ShowCompColor.

4. Double-click ShowCompColor to edit it.

5. Set the Value data field to:

   • 1 to display compressed NTFS files in blue text.
   • 0 to display compressed NTFS files in standard text.

6. Set the Base to Hexadecimal and click OK.

7. Close the Registry Editor.

Applying the Changes

For the changes to take effect immediately without rebooting the computer, restart Windows Explorer:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
2. Locate Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
3. Right-click Windows Explorer and select Restart.