This article explains what INI files are and what they are used for. It also explains how to open or convert them.

A file with the INI file extension is a Windows or MS-DOS initialization file. They are plain text files that contain settings that determine how something else, usually a program, should operate.

Different programs use their own INI files, but they all serve the same purpose. For example, CCleaner can use an INI file to store all of its different options. This particular file is stored under the name ccleaner.ini under the program's installation folder.

A commonly used INI file in Windows, called desktop.ini, is a hidden file that stores information about how folders and files should be displayed.