Why would the inode for a folder change with Windows 10 Creators Update?

  • 9 months ago
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In traditional Unix-like file systems, an inode is a data structure that contains information about a file or directory, including its metadata such as permissions, ownership, size, timestamps, and pointers to the actual data blocks. However, Windows does not use inodes in the same way as Unix-like systems. Instead, Windows uses a different file system architecture and does not expose inodes as a visible concept to users.

Windows 10 Creator's Update introduced some changes to the way the file system works, but these changes are specific to Windows file systems like NTFS and not related to traditional inodes. Windows file systems like NTFS manage file and directory metadata using a different internal structure.

If you are observing changes in behavior related to file or directory attributes or metadata, it could be due to various factors such as:

  1. File System Updates: Changes to the Windows 10 operating system, including updates like the Creators Update, can sometimes include improvements or changes to the way the file system handles metadata.

  2. Bug Fixes: Updates can also include fixes for bugs or inconsistencies in the file system's behavior.

  3. Third-party Software: Installed software, drivers, or tools can interact with the file system and might affect the behavior of files and directories.

  4. Security and Permissions: Changes in permissions or security settings can affect how files and directories are accessed or modified.

  5. User Actions: User actions like moving, renaming, or copying files and directories can change metadata.

It's important to note that the concept of inodes is specific to Unix-like file systems, and Windows uses a different approach for managing file system metadata. If you are encountering unexpected behavior with file or directory metadata on Windows, it's a good idea to investigate the specific changes that were made and to consider factors like software updates, security settings, and user actions that might be influencing the behavior.