How Do I Show Hidden Files/Folders in Windows 10?

How Can Users Deal With the Hidden Folders and Files?

Even though you can see hidden folders on your computer, it’s usually best to leave them alone. These hidden folders contain the necessary instructions for your computer to run properly. Messing with them could mean things might not work right, or your computer might even crash.

If you’re unsure about something, it’s always a good idea to ask a computer expert for help. They’re the advisors for your computer and can ensure nothing goes wrong.

There are some rare cases where you need to show hidden folders, but that’s rare. We’ll cover how to unhide them in the following article. Moreover, it depends on what version of Windows you have.

4 Methods to Show Hidden Files on Windows OS

Sometimes you’ll need to see your hidden files on your computer to follow instructions online. This section will show you how to make those hidden files, folders, and even file extensions visible on your Windows computer.

Way 1: Display Hidden Files on Windows 10

1. First, open File Explorer with the shortcut Windows key + E.
2. After that, tap the “View” tab at the top.
3. Then, find the “Show/Hide” section.
4. At last, press the checkbox for “Hidden items”.

Now you’ll be able to view hidden files, although they might look a little blurry.

Way 2: Show Hidden Files by Using Files Explorer

1. Foremost, open File Explorer on your local screen.
2. After that, click “View” at the top.
3. Then, choose “Options” from the menu.
4. In the new window, move to the “View” tab.
5. Now, scroll down to “Hidden files and folders”.
6. Subsequently, click the circle next to “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”.
7. Click “OK” to confirm.

To hide the files again, either uncheck “Hidden items” in the “Show/hide” menu or repeat these steps and choose a different option under “Hidden files and folders”.

Way 3: Find Hidden Files in Windows 7 Version

1. In the first step, open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
2. Afterward, click “Organize” at the top, then choose “Folder and search options”.
3. In the new window, navigate to the “View” tab.
4. Then, scroll down to “Hidden files and folders” and select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”.
5. Finally, click “OK” to confirm.

Note: Early in 2020, Microsoft discontinued supporting Windows 7, and it is no longer receiving security updates. It’s a great idea to upgrade to a newer version of Windows for better security.

Way 4: Access Hidden Files Through Command Prompt

There’s another way to display hidden files in Windows 7 and later, but it’s a bit trickier. It involves using Command Prompt.

1. To begin, open Command Prompt by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu.

Important: Notice which drives your hidden files are on (usually C:).

2. After that, type this command in Command Prompt, replacing “C:” Next, press Enter after typing: attrib -s -h -r /s /c *.*

This command basically tells your computer to show hidden files.

Note: This method is for advanced users and can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s usually easier and safer to use the methods mentioned earlier.

Here, we have mentioned all the possible ways to view hidden files. You can check them out. But somehow, you are not able to open your files on Windows. It simply indicates that your Windows files are corrupted or damaged. If you want to repair the damaged files, use the Windows Data Recovery. Moreover, this software allows users to fix 0x0000004E error on Windows efficiently.

Conclusion

There are two main ways to show hidden files on Windows. The easiest way is through File Explorer. Just open it with the shortcut Windows key + E, click “View” at the top, and check the box for “Hidden items” under “Show/hide”. However, it lets you see all hidden files, though they might appear slightly blurred. If you prefer more menu navigation, you can use Folder Options. For Windows 7 users, the process is similar but with slightly different menus. Remember, Microsoft no longer supports Windows 7, so upgrading for better security is recommended. There’s also a more complex method using Command Prompt, but that’s best left to tech-savvy users. No matter which method you choose, you can see those hidden files in no time.

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About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.