How to show hidden files in Windows 10

In this article, we’ll be explaining how to show hidden files in Windows 10.

One of the features offered by Windows 10 includes showing hidden files. By default, the operating system hides specific files and folders on your drive to protect them.

Please note that these operating system files are sensitive and are hidden by default for a reason; however, you can also view the hidden system files if you need them.

There may be numerous reasons why you might want to show and access hidden files and folders on your Windows 10 PC.

How to password protect a folder in Windows

For example, maybe you want to access some system files and make modifications.

In such a case, be sure that you know everything about the operating system files; else, you might harm the files and cause issues in your operating system.

Perhaps you might want to check why a folder is bigger on your hard drive than it should be and want to check if there are any hidden folders or files inside.

Another reason to hide or show different files and folders is that you might be using a shared Windows PC and want to hide your important files, personal files, and folders from other users.

Whatever the case, Turbo Gadget Reviews is here to help you out! Let’s dive into the details, without further delay.

Table of Contents

  1. How to show hidden files in Windows 10
    1. Background
    2. Using File Explorer
    3. Using Control Panel
    4. Using Windows PowerShell
  2. Wrap up

How to show hidden files in Windows 10

Background

Hiding items is a valuable feature in Windows 10 that can help by protecting certain files and folders on your computer.

Note that some files are essential for a smooth Windows computer operation; your computer might not work correctly if anything goes wrong.

Windows 10 operating system hides such vital files and folders on your hard drive to ensure they are not accidentally deleted or moved.

Furthermore, you can also choose to hide specific files and folders in your Windows computer if you want to prevent others from accessing them.

Like there is an option to hide items, you can also choose to show hidden files and folders on your computer by going inside File Explorer.

This article will teach you different ways to show hidden items in Windows 10. So, let’s now get into the details of each method.

Using File Explorer

Windows Explorer is convenient, and among many other features, you can use it to unhide files on your computer.

Follow the steps mentioned below to show hidden files on your computer:

  • Click the “File Explorer” on your computer to open it;
How to show hidden files in Windows 10

  • Next, click on “View tab” on the top to reveal more options;

  • Once the view tab is open, check the “Hidden items” box;

  • Congratulations, you did it like a pro, and you can now see hidden files and folders on your computer.

Using Control Panel

You can follow the steps mentioned below to use the Windows Control Panel settings to open File Explorer options and show hidden files and folders on your computer:

  • Click the Control Panel icon on your taskbar or search Control Panel in the search menu to run it;

  • Once Control Panel launches, move your mouse to “View by” and change it to “Small icons“;

  • Next, click on “File Explorer Options” to open the folder options. The folder options window will now open;

  • Next, click the “View” tab to reveal some folder options;

  • Next, on the folder options screen, click on the option that says “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” and then the “Ok button” to show all hidden files in your Windows 10 computer;

  • Now you can view all hidden files and folders on your computer!

Using Windows PowerShell

You can use Windows PowerShell to view hidden files and folders in Windows 10.

However, through this method, you won’t be able to view the hidden files in your Windows File Explorer.

Instead, this method will allow you to view hidden files in the Windows PowerShell window.

To use Windows PowerShell to view hidden files and folders, please perform the steps mentioned below:

  • Run Windows PowerShell by searching for “PowerShell” in the search bar of your Windows 10 operating system;

  • Navigate to the directory where your files are located using the “cd” command;

  • Next, type “dir -force” and press Enter. This command will open all the hidden files and folders in your current directory;

  • If you are unsure what folders contain the hidden files, use the command “dir -recurse -force” to reveal the hidden files. This command will show all the hidden files and will take a while to run fully, depending on the number of files in your directory.

Wrap up

Windows 10 hides some files and folders by default to protect them from accidental deletion and unauthorized access.

You can even see and access these protected operating system files if you need them; however, be aware of the risks associated with their modification.

This article taught us how to unhide folders and files in a Microsoft Windows 10 computer. There are different ways and options to hide and unhide folders and files.

For instance, you can use the File Explorer options in your operating system to quickly hide or unhide files and folders.

Besides the File Explorer option, you can also use the Windows Control Panel to open folder options and hide your precious folders and Windows files from prying eyes.

Use whichever option is more convenient for you and access the hidden files in your Windows 10 PC like a pro!

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