Writing & StyleStyle guide

Formatting Folder and Directory Names

Formatting Folder and Directory Names records the relevant Microsoft Style Guide convention while keeping it explicitly house-style scoped rather than presenting it as a universal grammar rule.

Quick answer

Use sentence-style capitalization for folder and directory names; internal capitals are acceptable for readability, bold names in procedures when users interact with them, and use code style in code syntax.

Key details

Core IssueMicrosoft style uses sentence-style capitalization for folder and directory names, permits internal capitals for readability, and changes formatting when the name is interactive or appears in code syntax.
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Important caveats

Scope Boundary

This is Microsoft technical style; literal file-system paths and API-oriented directory names may require exact casing or code formatting.

Further guidance

Content

Use sentence-style capitalization for folder and directory names; internal capitals are acceptable for readability, bold names in procedures when users interact with them, and use code style in code syntax.

Purpose

Make paths and procedural actions scannable while preserving names that users need to recognize or type.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Formatting common text elements — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Microsoft technical-style conventions for error messages and common text elements
  2. Formatting text in instructions — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Current Microsoft technical-style conventions for formatting UI references, user input, commands, code-related elements, and other text in instructions.

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