To create an INI file in Windows 10, open Notepad, type your settings as sections and key=value lines, then select File > Save As. Type a name ending in .ini, like settings.ini, set Save as type to All files, and select Save.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Learn on September 28, 2026.
What goes in an INI file
An INI file is a plain text file that stores settings for an app. It has three parts:
- Sections in square brackets, like
[General]. - Keys and values under each section, like
Name=Alex. - Comments that start with a semicolon, like
; Settings for Contoso Photo Tool. The app ignores them.
Use the section and key names the app expects. Check the app’s help or its sample file, because each app uses its own names.
Create the file in Notepad
- Select Start, type Notepad, and open it.
- Type your sections and settings, one per line.
- Select File > Save As and go to the folder where the app looks for it.
- In File name, type the name with .ini at the end, like settings.ini.
- Set Save as type to All files (*.*), then select Save.
If you skip step 5, Notepad may save the file as settings.ini.txt, and the app won’t find it.
Choose the right encoding
Notepad in Windows 10 saves files as UTF-8 by default, which works for most apps. Some older programs only read ANSI files and may show odd characters or ignore settings with accents. If that happens, open the file, select File > Save As, set Encoding to ANSI, and save again.
Edit an INI file later
Right-click the file, select Open with, and choose Notepad. Make your changes and press Ctrl + S. If the file is in a protected folder, like C:\Program Files, open Notepad as an administrator first.
If the app ignores your INI file
- Your changes disappear. Many apps rewrite their INI file when they close. Close the app first, then edit and save the file, then open the app again.
- Edits in Program Files don’t take effect. Older apps can be redirected to a copy in your user folder, under AppData\Local\VirtualStore. Edit the file there, or open Notepad as administrator and edit the original.
- A setting is ignored. Check the spelling of the section and key names against the app’s instructions, and make sure the line isn’t starting with a semicolon.
- The file is in the wrong place. Apps look in a specific folder, often next to the program or in AppData. Check the app’s documentation for the exact location.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if the file ended in .txt by mistake?
Turn on file extensions in File Explorer so you can see the full name. See how to show file extensions in Windows 10.
What is desktop.ini?
It’s a hidden file that stores how a folder looks. Leave it alone. It only shows if you turn on hidden files. See how to show hidden files in Windows 10.
Is an INI file the same as a batch file?
No. An INI file only stores settings. A batch file runs commands. See how to create a batch file in Windows 10. For another plain text settings file, see how to edit the hosts file.
Can an INI file harm my PC?
No. It’s plain text and can’t run anything by itself. Only the app that reads it uses the settings inside.
Can I make an INI file with PowerShell?
Yes. Run Set-Content -Path settings.ini -Value “[General]” to create it, then add lines with Add-Content. Notepad is easier for most people.
Do spaces around the equals sign matter?
Usually not. Most apps read Name = Alex and Name=Alex the same way. If an app is strict, match the examples in its documentation exactly.
Should I back up an INI file before editing it?
Yes. Copy the file and rename the copy, such as settings-backup.ini. If the app stops working after your changes, delete the edited file and rename the backup.
Microsoft’s reference for the INI format is GetPrivateProfileString function. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.