How to use Libraries in Windows 7

Using Windows 7’s Libraries tool you can access files stored in several different folders from one window, without moving or copying those files. Windows keeps your Libraries updated with any new files you have added to the folders, and everything is displayed in a clear, easy-to-browse format.

Here, we show you how to set up and manage your libraries.

What is a Library?
A Windows 7 Library is a collection of files of the same type, such as videos, documents or photos. Their function is to act as a single point of reference in which to browse and sort through them, so you don’t have to manually access the various folders items might be saved in.

To begin with, Windows 7 creates four default Libraries: Documents, Pictures, Music, and Videos. It’s also possible to create your own Libraries, but before we get to that stage we need to show Windows 7 which parts of your computer’s hard disk it should build Libraries from.

There are various ways to open the Libraries. You could go to the Start Menu and type Libraries into the search box and press Enter, or click on any of the Library links on the right-hand side of the Start Menu.

Alternatively, links to the Libraries are displayed on the left-hand side of Windows Explorer – hold down the Windows key and press E to open an Explorer window. Whichever method best suits, you will end up in the same location, which displays the four default Library icons.

Open one of the Libraries; for example, the Pictures Library. Underneath the name of the Library, you’ll see a blue link that tells you how many locations are included in that Library.

When you click on that link, a window will pop up with the heading Pictures Library Locations. To add a new location, click on the ‘Add…’ button on the right hand side of this window.

Another new window will open, enabling you to browse all the folders on the computer, as well as any attached storage devices such as external hard disks, and files shared by other computers on your network.

You can’t add folders from removable media such as CDs or DVDs, or some USB memory keys, though. Once you’ve selected the folder, click the Include Folder button. You’ll be returned to the previous window, where you can either add more folders, or click OK to populate the Library.

To remove a location from a Library, click on the link beneath the title of the Library that tells you how many locations are currently included, and the Library Locations window will open. Select the location you want to remove from the list, and then click the ‘Remove’ button on the right-hand side. Then click OK.