Show Hidden Files on Windows 11 - WindowsTips.net - Windows Tips and Tricks with Geek

Monday, August 2, 2021

Show Hidden Files on Windows 11

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

Windows 11 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 by 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 near the top of the window. In the menu that appears, select “Options.”

In the Windows 11 File Explorer, click the ellipses (three dots) button and select "Options."

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

In Folder Options, click the "View" tab.

In the “Advanced Settings” list, locate the “Hidden Files and Folders” option. Using the radio buttons, select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives.” Then click “OK” at the bottom of the window.

Select "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" and click "OK."

Hidden files and folders will instantly become visible in File Explorer and on your desktop. When you see them, their icons will have a slightly translucent or faded appearance.

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

If you want to hide them again later, use “Options” in File Explorer to open Folder Options again, click “View,” select “Don’t show hidden files, folders, or drives,” and click “OK.”

Show Protected Operating System Files in Windows 11

In Windows, there’s another type of hidden file: a system file, which is hidden and protected by default to keep your operating system working properly. If you’d like to see 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 scroll down in the “Advanced Settings” list and uncheck “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).”

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

As soon as you click the check box, a new dialog window will open that warns you about the dangers of revealing protected operating system files.

Warning: You are about to reveal sensitive operating system files. If you move or delete hidden system files, it could break your Windows 11 installation or potentially cause data loss. So proceed with extreme caution.

If you know what you’re doing and are willing to accept the risks, click “Yes.”

When warned about revealing protected operating system files, click "Yes."

Then close the Folder Options window by pressing “OK.” As with the hidden files revealed in the section above, protected operating system files will appear translucent on your desktop and in File Explorer.

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