How do I view hidden files and folders in Windows?

Updated: 12/05/2021 by Computer Hope

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+E.
  2. In the File Explorer window, click the See more menu Windows 11 File Explorer More menu icon on the right side of the menu bar.
  3. Select Options from the drop-downwards carte.

Windows 11 Explorer More Options

  1. In the Folder Options window, click the View tab.
  2. In the Advanced settings department, under Subconscious files and folders, select the Bear witness hidden files, folders, and drives option.

Windows 11 Explorer Options - show hidden files

  1. Click Apply, and so OK.

Tip

If you do not want to run across hidden files in Windows, select the Don't testify subconscious files, folders and drives choice in step 5 above.

Tip

See additional data for further information and related questions.

View subconscious files and folders in Windows 8 and 10

  1. Press the Windows Key+Due east.
  2. In the window that appears, select the View tab in the top-left corner.
  3. Locate and click Options on the right side or click the down arrow and select Change 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 Hidden files and folders, select Bear witness hidden files, folders and drives.
  4. Click Apply, then OK.

Tip

If you lot practise not want to see hidden files in Windows, select the Don't show hidden files, folders and drives choice in pace 6 above.

Tip

See additional data for further information and related questions.

View hidden files and folders in Windows Vista and Windows seven

  1. Printing the Windows Key+Due east.
  2. In the window that appears, click Organize in the top-left corner.
  3. From the drop-downwardly menu, select Binder 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 hidden files, folders and drives.
  3. Click Employ, so OK.

Tip

If you do not desire to see hidden files in Windows, select the Don't show hidden files, folders and drives option in step 6 above.

Tip

Encounter additional information for further information and related questions.

View hidden files and folders in Windows XP

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

Tip

If you practise non want to see hidden files in Windows, select the Don't prove hidden files, folders and drives option in stride four above.

Tip

See boosted information for further information and related questions.

Additional Information

How do I know if information technology worked?

When enabled, you can distinguish a hidden file from other files by looking at the icon, which should announced more faint (slightly grayed out like the hidden.txt file below). You lot can as well look at the file attributes or file properties to see if the file y'all're viewing is a subconscious file.

Windows hidden file

Note

It is important to realize that files can also exist hidden using a software plan or other commands. To view these files, y'all need access to the program used to lock the files. Files may also have file permission rights that let or prevent users from viewing the files. To view these files, you must be given the advisable rights by the administrator.

Alert

Users will sometimes delete files that are critical to certain arrangement utilities or programs. It is okay to delete hidden files equally long as you know what they are used for.