Show hidden files & folders in Windows

Sometimes you need to view, edit or even delete hidden files and folders on Windows, but by default, Windows hides some system files (applications can also create hidden files). But there is a way to show these hidden files/folders and I’ll show you how in this guide.

Works for all version of Windows.

Watch the video above or follow the text guide below.

Show hidden files & folders on Windows (all versions)

1. Depending on your version of Windows:
   1. Win XP/Vista/7: Click the Windows Start icon
   2. Win 8/8.1: Search for “Control Panel” & click the Control Panel result
2. Click on the Control Panel menu item
3. Depending on your view settings:
   1. (In Category view) Click the Appearance & Personalization icon, then click the Folder Options icon
   2. (In icon view) Click on the Folder Options icon
4. Click on the View tab
5. Under the Hidden files & folders item, select the “Show hidden files, folders & drives“
6. (optional) Uncheck the “Hide empty drives in the Computer folder” checkbox
7. (optional) Uncheck the “Hide extensions of known file types” checkbox
8. Uncheck the “Hide protected operating system files” checkbox
9. Click Yes to Alert Warning
10. Now click on Apply, and then OK to save settings
11. All done!
12. NOTE* I recommend setting the “Hide protected operating system files” back to hidden after you have finished working with hidden files/folders

• Microsoft Windows (official)
• Microsoft Support (official)
• Search Google for Windows 8
• Search Google for Windows 7
• Search Google for Windows Vista
• Search Google for Windows XP