How do I view hidden files and folders in Windows?

Updated: 12/05/2021 by Reckoner Promise

Windows logo

To unhide and view hidden files and folders in Microsoft Windows, select your version from the list below and follow the steps.

View hidden files and folders in Windows 11

  1. Press the Windows Key+Due east.
  2. In the File Explorer window, click the Come across more menu Windows 11 File Explorer More menu icon on the right side of the menu bar.
  3. Select Options from the driblet-down menu.

Windows 11 Explorer More Options

  1. In the Folder Options window, click the View tab.
  2. In the Avant-garde settings section, nether Subconscious files and folders, select the Show hidden files, folders, and drives option.

Windows 11 Explorer Options - show hidden files

  1. Click Employ, then OK.

Tip

If you do not want to meet hidden files in Windows, select the Don't show hidden files, folders and drives option in step 5 to a higher place.

Tip

See additional information for further information and related questions.

View hidden files and folders in Windows 8 and ten

  1. Printing the Windows Cardinal+Due east.
  2. In the window that appears, select the View tab in the elevation-left corner.
  3. Locate and click Options on the correct side or click the downwards pointer and select Alter binder and search options.

Windows 8 Folder Options

  1. In the Folder Options window that appears, select the View tab.
  2. Locate the Advanced settings section of the window.
  3. Under Subconscious files and folders, select Prove subconscious files, folders and drives.
  4. Click Utilize, and so OK.

Tip

If you practice not want to come across hidden files in Windows, select the Don't testify subconscious files, folders and drives option in step 6 above.

Tip

See additional information for farther information and related questions.

View hidden files and folders in Windows Vista and Windows seven

  1. Press the Windows Key+E.
  2. In the window that appears, click Organize in the peak-left corner.
  3. From the drop-down menu, select Folder and search options.
  4. In the Folder Options window that appears, select the View tab.

Windows Folder Options

  1. Locate the Advanced settings section of the window.
  2. Under Hidden files and folders, select Show subconscious files, folders and drives.
  3. Click Apply, then OK.

Tip

If you lot practise not want to see hidden files in Windows, select the Don't evidence subconscious files, folders and drives option in step 6 above.

Tip

Run into additional data for further information and related questions.

View subconscious files and folders in Windows XP

  1. Click Start and then My Computer.
  2. Click Tools and and then Binder Options.
  3. In the Binder Options window, click the View tab.
  4. On the View tab, under Advanced Settings, select Testify hidden files, folders and drives.
  5. Click Apply, then OK.

Tip

If you do non want to see hidden files in Windows, select the Don't show hidden files, folders and drives choice in step iv above.

Tip

See additional information for further data and related questions.

Additional Data

How do I know if it worked?

When enabled, you tin can distinguish a hidden file from other files by looking at the icon, which should appear more faint (slightly grayed out like the subconscious.txt file below). Y'all can also expect at the file attributes or file properties to run into if the file y'all're viewing is a subconscious file.

Windows hidden file

Note

It is important to realize that files can too exist hidden using a software program or other commands. To view these files, you demand access to the program used to lock the files. Files may besides accept file permission rights that permit or prevent users from viewing the files. To view these files, you must be given the advisable rights by the ambassador.

Warning

Users will sometimes delete files that are critical to certain system utilities or programs. It is okay to delete hidden files every bit long as y'all know what they are used for.