The appdata folder on windows is just what it sounds like. It’s a folder that stores application data for some programs. Most programs store some of their application data in the registry and some of it in appdata folder. Your appdata folder is an important folder to back up in case of a computer crash or if you choose to upgrade or install Windows.
To get to your appdata folder:
Windows XP: You can find the appdata folder by navigating to it in Explorer under XP. First Show Hidden Files and Folders then go to My Computer > C:\ > Documents and Settings > <User Name*> > Application Data > Roaming
*Replace <User Name> with your actual user name
Windows 7/Vista: It’s as simple as typing %appdata% and pressing enter into your start menu search box.
5 replies on “How To Find the appdata Folder in Windows”
You just saved my life… thank you!
Just bought a new laptop and I was honestly so worried about adding each account one by one. Your post just saved me loads of hassle and most importantly, time. Thank you so very much. Regards, Matt
well that didnt come out right at all… I used brackets where I guess I shouldnt have.
my computer crashed, the motherboard died so I got a new computer with windows 7. I rescued my hard drive out of my old xp machine and am trying to access the appdata folder through my windows 7 machine and the path given above to the appdata folder does not exist… I have a Documents and Settings *user name* and there is no *Application Data* in there and thus no *Roaming* folder.and so no *Appdata* folder… where else can I look?
thanks!
Turn on hidden files and folders in view options. See this article: How To Show Hidden Files in Windows Explorer
saved my life 😀