If you frequently work with Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and have encountered files named <file_name>:Zone.Identifier after copying your source code from Windows 10 or Windows 11 to a WSL directory, you’re not alone. These mysterious files can be a source of confusion and annoyance for many users. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what Zone.Identifier files are, why they appear, and how to manage them effectively.
What are Zone.Identifier Files?
Zone.Identifier files are a Windows-specific mechanism used to store information about the origin or “zone” of a file. These files are created as a part of Windows’ security features. When you download a file from the internet or copy it from an untrusted source, Windows may assign a Zone.Identifier to the file to track its security zone.
Understanding the Colon in the Filename
The presence of a colon in the filename (e.g., <file_name>:Zone.Identifier) signifies that this is an alternate data stream within the file system. In this context, it is used to store extended attributes related to the file.
The Relationship Between Colon and Extended Attributes
Indeed, the colon in the filename is associated with the file’s extended attributes. Windows uses alternate data streams to store additional metadata about files. In the case of Zone.Identifier files, this metadata includes the security zone information.
How to Prevent Zone.Identifier Files
Many users find these Zone.Identifier files annoying and unnecessary in a Linux environment. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent their creation or remove them when they appear.
Solution 1: Using an Alias
One effective solution is to create an alias that allows you to remove these files quickly before copying. Here’s an example alias you can add to your .bashrc file or etc.:
alias rzi="rm -rf **/*Zone.Identifier"Running rzi before copying files will remove any Zone.Identifier files in the source directory.
Solution 2: Adding to .gitignore
If you use Git for version control, you can prevent Zone.Identifier files from being tracked by adding the following line to your project’s .gitignore file:
**/*Zone.IdentifierSolution 3: Manual Deletion
To remove existing Zone.Identifier files, you can run the following command in your WSL terminal:
find . -name "*Zone.Identifier" -type f -deleteThis command will search for and delete all Zone.Identifier files in the current directory and its subdirectories.
Conclusion
Zone.Identifier files can be a source of frustration when working with WSL on Windows 10 or Windows 11. However, by understanding their purpose and using the provided solutions, you can effectively manage and prevent these files from cluttering your projects and directories.
References:
- Stack Overflow: What are Zone.Identifier files and how do I prevent them from being created?
- GitHub Issue: microsoft/WSL #4609
Tags: git, linux, linux subsystem, Windows Subsystem for Linux, wsl2
There is a solution that prevents zone.identifier files being written in the first place.
Group Policy in Windows: If the Zone.Identifier files are generated when files are downloaded or moved from Windows into WSL2, you can disable this behavior using the Windows Group Policy Editor. Navigate to User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Attachment Manager, and enable the policy Do not preserve zone information in file attachments34. However, note that this might require Windows Professional or higher editions as the Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows Home editions.