Is it safe to delete desktop.ini?

Yes. Deleting it only resets that folder's custom appearance; the folder and its files are unaffected, and Windows recreates the file when it needs one.

Why did desktop.ini appear on my Desktop?

Because 'Show protected operating system files' was turned on. Re-hide it via File Explorer → View → Options → check 'Hide protected operating system files'; it is not a sign of infection.

Is desktop.ini a Virus? Is It Safe to Delete?

Short answer: desktop.ini is a legitimate hidden Windows file, not malware. Deleting it is safe — it only resets a folder's custom icon or view settings, which Windows recreates as needed.

The verdict

Not a virus, safe to delete. desktop.ini is a hidden configuration file Windows places in a folder to remember how that folder should look and behave — its custom icon, its display name, its view template (for example why the Downloads folder shows a special layout). You usually only notice it after turning on Show hidden files, or when it suddenly appears on the Desktop after a Windows update.

Why you are seeing it

If two desktop.ini files appeared on your Desktop, it is almost always because Show protected operating system files got switched on — not an infection. Re-hide them via File Explorer → View → Options → uncheck Hide protected operating system files to reverse it, and they vanish from sight.

How to know it is genuine

A real desktop.ini is a tiny text file (open it in Notepad — you will see sections like [.ShellClassInfo]). Treat it as suspicious only if it has an added executable extension (desktop.ini.exe) or is unexpectedly large. If unsure, scan with Windows Security.

Can you delete it?

Yes, safely. Deleting a folder's desktop.ini only removes that folder's custom appearance; the folder and its contents stay intact and Windows recreates the file if it needs one again.
Don't bother deleting system ones (in Windows or user profile folders) — they set standard icons and will just come back.

Is desktop.ini a Virus or Safe to Delete?