How to View Hidden Files in Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7

To view hidden files and folders on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11 follow these steps:

Windows 11

  1. Open "File Explorer" by clicking on the folder icon on the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E.
  2. In File Explorer, click on the "View" tab located at the top of the window.
  3. In the "Show/hide" section of the ribbon, check the box next to "Hidden items." This will enable the display of hidden files and folders.

Once you check the "Hidden items" box, hidden files and folders will become visible in Windows 11. It's essential to be cautious when working with hidden files, as they are typically important system files, and modifying or deleting them can cause issues on your system. Proceed with caution and only make changes if you are certain about the purpose of the files.

Windows 8 and Windows 10

  1. Open "File Explorer" (Windows key + E) to access the File Explorer.
  2. Click on the "View" tab in the top menu.
  3. In the "Show/hide" section of the ribbon, check the box next to "Hidden items." This will enable the display of hidden files and folders.
  4. Now, hidden files and folders will be visible in Windows 8 and Windows 10.

Windows 7

  1. Open "Windows Explorer" (Windows key + E) to access the File Explorer.
  2. Click on the "Organize" button in the top-left corner of the window.
  3. Select "Folder and search options" from the dropdown menu. This will open the Folder Options window.
  4. In the Folder Options window, go to the "View" tab.
  5. Under the "Advanced settings" section, locate "Hidden files and folders."
  6. Select the option "Show hidden files, folders, and drives."
  7. Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.
  8. Now, hidden files and folders will be visible in Windows 7.

Conclusion

Please note that showing hidden files and folders is useful when you need to access system files or troubleshoot issues, but it's essential to be cautious when working with hidden files, as they are hidden for a reason, and modifying or deleting certain files may cause problems on your system. Always be careful and avoid making changes to files unless you are certain about their purpose.