An illustration of a revealed, previously-hidden folder in Windows 11.

Windows xi handles hidden files and folders almost identically to versions of Windows that came before it: with special file flags. Showing these hidden files in File Explorer is easy. Here's how.

First, launch File Explorer past opening Start and searching for "File Explorer," or by clicking the File Explorer icon in your taskbar if it's pinned there.

When File Explorer opens, click the ellipses (three dots) button in the toolbar well-nigh the acme of the window. In the carte that appears, select "Options."

In the "Folder Options" window that opens, click the "View" tab.

In the "Avant-garde Settings" listing, locate the "Hidden Files and Folders" option. Using the radio buttons, select "Evidence hidden files, folders, and drives." And then click "OK" at the bottom of the window.

Subconscious files and folders volition instantly become visible in File Explorer and on your desktop. When you meet them, their icons volition accept a slightly translucent or faded appearance.

When made visible, hidden folders will have a translucent or faded appearance in Windows 11.

If you desire to hide them again later, use "Options" in File Explorer to open Folder Options again, click "View," select "Don't evidence hidden files, folders, or drives," and click "OK."

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How to Show Protected Operating System Files in Windows eleven

In Windows, there's some other type of hidden file: a system file, which is hidden and protected past default to go on your operating system working properly. If you'd like to meet this type of hidden file, open File Explorer, click the "three dots" button in the toolbar, then select "Options."

In the Folder Options window, click the "View" tab, then roll downward in the "Avant-garde Settings" list and uncheck "Hide protected operating arrangement files (Recommended)."

Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)."

Equally presently as you click the check box, a new dialog window volition open up that warns you lot nearly the dangers of revealing protected operating system files.

Warning: Y'all are well-nigh to reveal sensitive operating system files. If you move or delete hidden organization files, information technology could intermission your Windows 11 installation or potentially cause information loss. So keep with extreme caution.

If yous know what you're doing and are willing to take the risks, click "Yes."

Then close the Binder Options window by pressing "OK." As with the subconscious files revealed in the section to a higher place, protected operating system files will appear translucent on your desktop and in File Explorer.

When yous're done with your job, information technology'due south commonly a skilful idea to hide your protected operating system files again. To exercise that, open Folder Options as shown above, click the "View" tab, then place a checkmark beside "Hibernate protected operating arrangement files (Recommended)" and click "OK." Good luck!

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