How To Show Hidden Files in Windows

Hidden files in Windows are usually system files or files that the operating system hides by default to prevent accidental deletion or modification. However, there are situations when viewing these hidden files is necessary, such as troubleshooting, configuring advanced settings, or accessing specific folders. This guide provides easy-to-follow steps on how to show hidden files in Windows for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Benefits of Showing Hidden Files

Displaying hidden files can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Reveals system files that may need modification during troubleshooting.
• Data Recovery: Allows access to hidden files that might contain important information.
• Advanced Configuration: Makes configuration files visible for advanced settings.
• Security: Lets you check for hidden malware or suspicious files that could affect system performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Show Hidden Files in Windows

Step 1: Open File Explorer

1. Press Windows Key + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
2. Alternatively, you can access File Explorer from the Start menu by searching for “File Explorer” or clicking the folder icon on the taskbar.

Step 2: Access the Folder Options

1. In the File Explorer window, click on the View tab in the toolbar at the top.
2. Under the View tab, locate the Options button on the right side, and click on it. This will open the Folder Options window.

Step 3: Show Hidden Files

1. In the Folder Options window, switch to the View tab.
2. Under the Advanced settings section, scroll down to find the Hidden files and folders option.
3. Select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
4. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Now, hidden files and folders should be visible in File Explorer. They will appear semi-transparent, indicating that they were hidden by default.

Alternate Method: Using Settings in Windows 10 and 11

If you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, you can also reveal hidden files through the Settings app:

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
2. In the Settings window, go to Privacy > File Explorer Options (or directly search for “File Explorer Options” in the search bar).
3. Under the View tab in File Explorer Options, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
4. Click Apply and OK.

How to Show Protected Operating System Files

In addition to hidden files, Windows has a set of protected operating system files that are hidden for security reasons. To view these files, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer and go to the View tab.
2. Click on Options to open Folder Options and go to the View tab.
3. Under Advanced settings, uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) option.
4. Confirm the action by clicking Yes in the warning dialog box.
5. Click Apply and OK.

Warning: Protected system files are hidden for a reason, as modifying or deleting them could harm the operating system. Only make these files visible if necessary, and proceed with caution.

How to Show Hidden Files Using Command Prompt

For users comfortable with command-line tools, you can use the Command Prompt to show hidden files:

1. Press Windows Key + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command to navigate to the directory you want to view hidden files in: cd [path-to-directory]
3. Type the following command to show hidden files: dir /a:h This command lists all hidden files in the current directory.
4. To view all files, including hidden ones, use: codedir /a

How to Re-Hide Files in Windows

If you no longer need to view hidden files, it’s best to re-hide them to avoid accidental deletion or modification of important files.

1. Go back to File Explorer and select the View tab.
2. Click Options > Folder Options.
3. In the View tab, select Don’t show hidden files, folders, or drives.
4. If you enabled viewing protected system files, re-enable Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).
5. Click Apply and OK.

Additional Tips for Managing Hidden Files

• Use Hidden Files Sparingly: Only reveal hidden files when absolutely necessary, as they often contain critical system data.
• Create Backups: Before making changes to any hidden files, create a backup of your data to prevent accidental loss.
• Regularly Scan for Malware: Since some malware disguises itself as hidden files, running periodic antivirus scans is important for system health.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Showing Hidden Files in Windows