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How to Show Hidden Files on Windows 11: 2 Quick Ways

Some files are hidden from view by default, for safety reasons

2 min. read

Updated onApril 3, 2024

updated onApril 3, 2024

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To view hidden folders and Files in Windows 11, open File Explorer (Win + E) and selectView>Show>Hidden items. Yes, it’s that easy but you can find additional solutions below.

How can I view Hidden Folders and Files in Windows 11?

How can I view Hidden Folders and Files in Windows 11?

1. Use the Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives Option

1.From your desktop taskbar, press on theFile Explorer iconto open it.

2.To access more File Explorer options, click on thethree horizontal dots, then selectOptions.

  1. Select theViewtab, then search forHidden files and folders, and expand it.

  2. At this point, you have to uncheck theDon’t show hidden files, folders or drivessection, then tickShow Hidden Files, Folders and Drives.

  3. Click onApply, then onOK, and exit the window.

You can easily show hidden files and folders on your Windows 11 device via File Explorer. You just need to take advantage of File Explorer’s settings and let theShow Hidden Files, Folders and DrivesOption do its magic.

As you can see, this is an easy-to-apply procedure that you should try if you want to view Hidden Folders and Files in Windows 11.

2. Uncheck the Hide Protected Operating System Files option

As previously revealed, when you show Hidden Folders and Files, Windows will continue to hide Protected Operating System Files. You may easily recognize them since they include thesystemattribute.

Deleting or modifying such files could have a huge impact on your system. Apply the above procedure if you need to access them for a good reason and precisely as given or else you risk damaging your OS.

To easily do so, just access File Explorer advanced options as you learned from this article, then checkmark backDon’t show hidden files, folders, or drivers.

This will definitely fulfill your needs if you change your mind after unhiding them. It is the same process as presented in the first solution, except for the final steps.

So, you’ve seen how simple is to view Hidden Folders and Files in Windows 11. In addition, to refresh your knowledge about the new OS design, feel free to check out a fullWindows 11 22000.65 build review.

Therefore, ifFile Explorer is crashing, don’t hesitate to check out our easy fixes and get things back to normal in no time.

Learnhow to show hidden files in Windows 10by checking out our dedicated article.

For any other thoughts or questions, do not hesitate to leave a comment in the section below. We’d love to hear your opinion regarding this procedure, in particular, and the OS that’s in the spotlight these days.

More about the topics:folder,Windows 11

Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.

Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.

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Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.