What is a .AUTOMATICDESTINATIONS-MS file?
The .AUTOMATICDESTINATIONS-MS file extension refers to a Windows Jump List File. This type of file is used by Windows operating systems starting from Windows 7 and later versions. It plays a role in enhancing user experience by managing shortcuts to recently or frequently used files and applications directly from the taskbar.
Here’s a more detailed explanation: When you use a computer with Windows 7 or newer, you might notice that when you right-click on an application icon that is pinned to your taskbar, a menu pops up. This menu, known as a Jump List, shows a list of recent documents, frequently accessed files, or tasks that are relevant to the application. For instance, if you frequently use Microsoft Word, right-clicking its icon on the taskbar will display your most recent Word documents.
The .AUTOMATICDESTINATIONS-MS file contains essential data that helps Windows create these Jump Lists. Inside each file, there is information like when the file was accessed (timestamp), an identifier for the application (application ID), and where the file is located on your computer (file path).
Windows automatically generates these .AUTOMATICDESTINATIONS-MS files as you use applications pinned to your taskbar. For example, if you open a new document in Word and save it, Windows might create or update an .AUTOMATICDESTINATIONS-MS file to include this document in the Jump List under the Recent section the next time you right-click the Word icon on the taskbar.
Typically, these files are stored in a hidden system folder and are not meant to be opened directly by users. They are managed by Windows to provide quick access to specific functions and files. However, if you are curious about these files or need to access them for any reason, you can find them in the following directory on your computer: ``` C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Recent\AutomaticDestinations ``` You can paste this path into the address bar of File Explorer, replacing `%USERNAME%` with your actual Windows username.
In summary, .AUTOMATICDESTINATIONS-MS files are system files used by Windows to manage and display Jump Lists for applications on the taskbar, allowing for quicker access to recent and frequently used files. These files are not typically interacted with by most users and are managed automatically by the operating system.
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