Are you trying to find hidden files on your Windows 10 computer but can’t seem to figure out how? It can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’ve tried looking everywhere and still can’t find them. Well, don’t worry, because in this article, we’ll be showing you exactly how to see hidden files in Windows 10. Keep reading to learn how to uncover the hidden files on your computer in no time at all.
To view hidden files in Windows 10, do the following:
- Press the Windows logo key + E at the same time to open File Explorer.
- Click on View and then select Options.
- Under the View tab, check the Hidden items option.
You will now be able to see all of the hidden files and folders in your system.
How To View Hidden Files In Windows 10?
Windows 10 offers an array of options to view hidden files and folders. Depending on your needs, you can turn on the option to view hidden files, or you can enable the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option. To enable these options, you will need to make some changes in the File Explorer Options.
It is recommended to make a backup of your data before making any changes to the File Explorer as it could cause data loss. Once you have backed up your data, you can follow the steps below to view hidden files in Windows 10.
Steps to View Hidden Files in Windows 10
The first step is to open File Explorer, which can be done by pressing the Windows key + E. Then, click on the View tab, located at the top of the File Explorer window.
In the View tab, you will see an option labeled “Hidden items”. Check the box next to this option to enable the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option. Once this option is enabled, all hidden files, folders, and drives will be visible in the File Explorer.
Using Command Prompt to View Hidden Files in Windows 10
If you are a more tech-savvy user, you can use the Command Prompt to view hidden files in Windows 10. To do this, open the Command Prompt by typing “cmd” in the search box. Then, type in the following command: “attrib -h -r -s /s /d *.*”. This command will show all the hidden files and folders in the current directory.
If you want to view hidden files in a specific directory, you can type in the command “attrib -h -r -s /s /d
Using the Registry Editor to View Hidden Files in Windows 10
The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that can be used to manage the Windows Registry. It can also be used to view hidden files in Windows 10. To use the Registry Editor, open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R. Then, type “regedit” and press Enter.
In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key: “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced”. In the right pane, double-click on the “Hidden” value and set its data to 1. This will enable the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option.
Using the Control Panel to View Hidden Files in Windows 10
If you are unable to view hidden files using the File Explorer or the Registry Editor, you can use the Control Panel to enable the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option. To do this, open the Control Panel and navigate to “Appearance and Personalization”. Then, click on the “Show hidden files and folders” option.
In the “Show hidden files and folders” window, check the box next to “Show hidden files, folders, and drives”. Then, click on the OK button to save the changes. All the hidden files, folders, and drives will now be visible in the File Explorer.
Related Faq
Q1. What is a hidden file?
A hidden file is a type of computer file that is not visible to the user by default when browsing the file system. They are typically hidden from view because they may contain sensitive information, or they may be part of the operating system’s internal workings. In Windows 10, hidden files are indicated with a period (.) at the beginning of the filename.
Q2. How can I view hidden files in Windows 10?
To view hidden files in Windows 10, open File Explorer and click on the “View” tab in the ribbon. In the Show/hide section, click on the box next to “Hidden items” to display hidden files and folders.
Q3. How do I unhide hidden files in Windows 10?
To unhide hidden files in Windows 10, open File Explorer and click on the “View” tab in the ribbon. In the Show/hide section, click on the box next to “Hidden items” to display hidden files and folders. You can then select the hidden files you wish to unhide and right-click to show the File Properties. Check the “Hidden” checkbox and click OK.
Q4. How do I show hidden files in Command Prompt?
To show hidden files in Command Prompt, open Command Prompt and type the command “dir /a”. This will show all files, including hidden files, in the current directory. You can use other switches like “-h” to hide specific files, or “-s” to show only files in the current directory, not subdirectories.
Q5. How do I show hidden files using PowerShell?
To show hidden files using PowerShell, open PowerShell and type the command “Get-ChildItem -Force” to display a list of all files, including hidden files. You can use other switches like “-Recurse” to search subdirectories, or “-Hidden” to show only hidden files.
Q6. How do I hide files in Windows 10?
To hide files in Windows 10, open File Explorer and navigate to the file or folder you want to hide. Right-click on the file or folder and select “Properties”. In the Properties window, check the “Hidden” checkbox and click OK. The file or folder will now be hidden from view in File Explorer.
How to Easily Show Hidden Files and Folders on Windows 10
In conclusion, learning how to view hidden files in Windows 10 can be a difficult process. However, with the steps outlined in this article, you can now easily view hidden files in Windows 10. Whether you are looking for a specific file or just want to check out the hidden files on your computer, these steps can help you out. With this newfound knowledge, you can now unlock the power of the hidden files in Windows 10.
