How to View Hidden Files and Folders on Windows 10 and 11

Certain file types, as well as folders, are automatically hidden to keep them safe from accidental modification or deletion in Windows 10 and Windows 11. This typically includes system files, applications, and application data. But eventually, you’ll want to read/modify these files so you can troubleshoot certain errors, customize the system, or recover lost data.

This guide will examine several methods that can be used to display hidden files and folders in Windows 10 and 11. Whether you prefer to work with File Explorer, Command Prompt, or PowerShell, we’ll show you how to unhide files and folders on Windows 10 and 11.

Different Options to View Hidden Files and Folders on Windows

Here are various ways you can show hidden files and folders in Windows:

File Explorer	Control Panel	Command Prompt	PowerShell	Registry Editor	Third-Party Software
The simplest and most user-friendly method.	It is the other graphical way to view hidden files and folders using.	This is a command-line method.	An alternative to Command Prompt with advanced functionality.	A manual method to modify system settings.	Some market tools are particularly developed to find hidden files with ease.

Now that we understand each of the techniques in general, let us get into the details of each.

Option 1: How to Display Hidden Files Using File Explorer

The fastest method to view hidden files is through the File Explorer. Here’s how:

For Windows 10:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Go to the View tab in the top bar.
3. In the “Show/hide” section, check Hidden items.
4. Now you will view the hidden files and folders.

For Windows 11:

1. Launch File Explorer (shortcut: Windows + E).
2. Find the View button in the toolbar.
3. Click on the View tab and click on Show.
4. Directories now display hidden files.

Option 2: See Hidden Files Using Control Panel

Another way is through the Control Panel.

1. Open RUN (Windows + R), enter control, and press Enter.
   
   
2. Click or tap on Appearance and Personalization.
   
   
3. Select Folder Options (in Windows 10, this is called “File Explorer Options”).
   
   
4. Switch to the View tab.
5. Scroll down and click on Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
   
   
6. Click Apply and then OK.

Option 3: Check Hidden Files Using Command Prompt

If you love command line tools, you can see the hidden files using Command Prompt.

1. Open Command Prompt (Windows + R, type cmd, and press Enter).
   
   
2. Run this command to go to the directory of where the hidden files are located:
   cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents
3. Enable the display of the hidden files by using:

dir /a:h

1. Next, hit Enter to show the hidden files.
2. To unhide a file, use:

attrib -h "filename.ext"

Option 4: Using PowerShell

An alternative to CMD is Windows PowerShell, which is a more powerful version of CMD.

1. Run PowerShell (Windows + X > Windows Terminal (Admin)).
   
   
2. Navigate to the directory:
   cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop
3. Use this command to display hidden files:

Get-ChildItem -Force

This will display both hidden and non-hidden files in that folder. 

4. Any file having the hidden attribute can be, atomically, removed.

Set-ItemProperty -Path "Documents\filename.ext" -Name Attributes -Value Normal

Option 5: Using Registry Editor to Change Hidden File Options

Advanced users can manually change hidden file settings through the Registry Editor.

1. To open the Registry Editor, press Windows + R, type regedit and hit Enter.
   
   
2. Navigate to:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Locate Hidden, and double-click on it.
   
   
4. Set it from 2 (hidden) to 1 (visible).
5. Restart your PC or restart File Explorer to apply the changes.

Option 6: Using Third Party Software to Restore Hidden Files

You can also employ third-party apps like XYplorer, or Wise Folder Hider. These have more advanced features such as searching for files, unhiding them in bulk, etc.

Show Hidden Protected Operating System Files and Folders

Windows automatically hides some protected operating system files, so you won’t accidentally delete them. To view these files:

1. Open the File Explorer Options from Control Panel.
2. Switch to the View tab.
3. Clear Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).
   
   
4. Click Yes on the Warning:
   ^{You have chosen to display protected operating system files (files labeled System and Hidden) in File Explorer. These files are required to start and run Windows. Deleting or editing them can make your computer inoperable. Are you sure you want to display these files?}
5. Click Yes, then Apply and OK.

Files in these folders should be modified with care — they are critical for system integrity.

You may also like to read: How to Update Windows 10 & 11

Conclusion

There are several ways to view hidden files and folders in Windows 10 and 11. Use either File Explorer, Command Prompt, or Registry Editor, whichever you find more convenient. You should be careful whenever you are editing any hidden files, especially when it comes to system files, as it can cause unintended issues on the system.

FAQs

How do I check if a file is hidden?

Hidden files appear a little dim or transparent compared to normal files in File Explorer.

Why could I still not see hidden files?

When in File Explorer Options, ensure “Hide operating system files” is unchecked.

Are Hidden Files and System Files the same?

No, system files are a sub-type that Windows uses to function, whereas hidden files are a general type of file not visible through Windows.

How do I make files permanently unhidden?

It can simply be done using Command Prompt by using the attrib -h command or by going through the properties of the file.

What if I edit system files?

Modification of system files can result in instability, crashes, or Windows not starting correctly. Proceed with caution.