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Folder Rules guide

Check a Folder Rules rule before it changes files

Use Preview to check matching filenames, actions and destinations without changing files.

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Short answer

Open the rule and select Preview. Check which files match and what action is planned. Preview does not change files. Save rule can start processing matches already in the folder, so save only when the result is what you intended.

This guide covers Folder Rules. Check requirements and download options before you begin.

Before you start

  • Folder Rules from Microsoft Store on Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64, with a watched folder on a fixed local NTFS drive outside cloud/sync, removable and network locations. Open the rule you are adding or editing.
  • A few sample files that should match and at least one that should not.

Start here

  1. Set up a small example

    Put note-one.txt, note-two.txt and keep-this.csv in a test folder. Open Add rule, name it Sort text notes, set Item type to File and enter txt in File extensions (optional). Choose Copy and a separate destination, such as Sorted notes.

  2. Run Preview

    Select Preview and wait for the check to finish. Review the matching count and displayed items. A partial or canceled preview is not a completed check.

    Folder Rules Preview showing two matches: note-one.txt and note-two.txt, each with the Copy action.
    Folder Rules 1.0.0: the test rule matches two TXT files. Preview shows what would be copied; nothing has changed yet.

  3. Check matches and non-matches

    Both TXT files should appear with Copy and the chosen destination. keep-this.csv should not match. Preview shows up to 30 items; if more match, read the total so you know how wide the rule is.

  4. Adjust and preview again

    If too much matches, narrow the extension, name or other conditions. Preview again after changing the rule. If you only wanted to inspect it, select Cancel instead of saving.

  5. Save and check the actual result

    Select Save rule only when the scope is correct. Existing and new matching items are checked for readiness. Open Activity to see completed, waiting, skipped or failed outcomes.

Check your result

  • The preview completed and the matching count is expected.
  • The selected action and destination are correct for every intended match.
  • You inspected Activity after saving; a preview match alone is not proof of completion.

If Preview cannot finish

A failed Preview does not change files. Read the displayed reason, check that the selected folder is accessible and the conditions are valid, then try again. If the rule or folder changed after the preview, run a fresh preview.

Cancel stops the preview. It does not save the edited rule or authorize an action on the displayed files.

Why a previewed file can wait

Preview shows matches at that moment. A file still being downloaded or changed is checked again before the action runs. Age conditions can also mean it must wait longer.

An earlier matching rule may handle the file first. Check rule order as well as the preview.

The app used in this guide

Folder Rules

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Related guides

Sources and further reading