How To Show Hidden Files in Windows (For Beginners)

Did you know there are hidden files on Windows PCs and laptops? These include system files, configuration files, backup files, and other file types. They remain hidden on purpose to safeguard your operating system from accidental modifications and deletions that could harm it.

In this article, we’ll provide instructions on how to show hidden files in Windows, in case you need to access hidden files and folders. It may be to change settings, modify configurations, or delete temporary files.

What are hidden files?

Windows hides files for an important reason. Hidden files are not viewable in plain sight and are usually critical system files, app configuration files, backup files, temporary files, and caches. These files are not displayed by default. The main purpose behind concealing them is to prevent accidental modifications that could harm the operating system or lead to instability.

Nonetheless, situations arise where accessing these hidden files becomes necessary. Whether for troubleshooting, tidying up the operating system, or out of sheer curiosity, advanced users, such as system administrators, developers, and IT professionals, often need to retrieve hidden files. They might use File Explorer or command-line tools to adjust Windows security settings, alter configuration files, or remove unnecessary files to enhance system efficiency.

Proceed with caution when exploring hidden files and folders, particularly if you're considering modifications. It’s better to stick to known file types so you don’t accidentally delete critical folders in Windows.

What is the shortcut command to show hidden files in Windows?

There is no keyboard shortcut that automatically displays hidden files. However, you can reveal hidden files with File Explorer or Windows Command Prompt (CMD). Read the next sections and follow our step-by-step guide on how to reveal hidden files with either option.

How to show hidden files in Windows 10

Revealing hidden files in Windows 10 involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Launch File Explorer by searching for it or by clicking its icon located on the taskbar.
2. Navigate to the View menu, choose Options, and then click on the Change folder and search options.
3. From there, head to the View tab. Within the Advanced settings section, select the option to Show hidden files, folders, and drives and click OK.

How to show hidden files in Windows 11

Displaying hidden files in Windows 11 is much more straightforward than in Windows 10:

1. Launch File Explorer.
2. Select the View tab located on the menu bar.
3. In the Show/hide section, activate the Hidden items checkbox.

How to show hidden files in Windows Command Prompt (CMD)

Windows Command Prompt (CMD), also known as a terminal window, is another method to show hidden files in Windows. Here’s how:

1. To open Command Prompt, type CMD into the search bar found on the taskbar and select it. Alternatively, press the Windows key + R, type "CMD" into the Run dialog box, and press Enter or click OK.
2. After opening CMD, navigate to the directory where you wish to search for hidden files by typing "cd [path to your directory]" and press Enter.
3. Now type dir /a:h and press Enter in the terminal window to display a list of all hidden files in the current directory.
4. Type dir /a:d and press Enter if you’d rather reveal hidden directories.

Why you can’t find hidden files

Several factors may prevent you from locating certain files with Windows File Explorer, and understanding these reasons can help you troubleshoot more effectively. Let's examine some prevalent scenarios.

Case 1: Lack of administrator permissions

By default, Windows safeguards certain system files and folders from potential harm by hiding them. Typically, only users with admin permissions are able to access these files.

For instance, accessing system logs or configuration files might require administrator privileges due to their sensitive nature.

Case 2: Concealment by malware

Malware is sometimes designed to camouflage itself by using the “hidden attribute” or other cloaking techniques. That means that malware embedded in files can be undetectable, even if you have admin privileges and check for hidden files.

So, let’s say you're investigating a file that you suspect has malware embedded in it. After inspecting it, you found no evidence of malicious software because it was designed to elude detection in plain sight.

Case 3: Password protection or encryption

Files that are password protected or encrypted may not show up in File Explorer searches, even with the setting to display hidden files enabled. Accessing these files requires the appropriate password or decryption key.

As an example, if you're searching for confidential documents in an encrypted folder, they won't appear in File Explorer searches because of the encryption.

FAQs

Bottom line: Play file hide-and-seek with caution

There are serious reasons why Windows keeps hidden files, like critical system files, from plain sight. It’s a prevention mechanism to deter users from tampering with files that are essential to the operating system or apps and accidentally damaging them. Sometimes, it’s necessary to access hidden files for troubleshooting, modifying configuration files, or simply to free up space.

Arming yourself with the proper knowledge to access hidden files safely and knowing exactly what you’re doing with them is key to maintaining the stability and operation of your computer system. For those moments when you need to delete data securely, don't hesitate to explore our selection of the best data removal services, ensuring your digital footprint is managed safely and effectively.