How to show hidden files and folders on Windows 10/8/7

Viewing hidden or concealed system files on Windows is quite simple. You can find instructions on how to show hidden files and view file extensions in detail in this article.

 

There are many reasons why files and folders on the Windows operating system might be hidden. It could be due to system defaults to prevent accidental deletion or modification, or it could be due to a virus. To display files and folders on Windows, you only need to follow a few basic steps. Refer to the guide below from Network Administration.

1. Show hidden files and folders on Windows 10/8

Open the folder window to its maximum size, and in the View tab , select Hidden Items .

In the View tab on the Ribbon, click the Options option .

On the screen that appears, the Folder Options dialog box will appear. Click on the View tab , then select the Show hidden files and folders option .

 

If you want to show Windows system files, you can uncheck the box next to " Hide protected operating system files" .

2. View hidden files in Windows 7/Windows Vista

To unhide files on Windows 7 or Vista, simply click on Organize in any folder, then select Folder and Search Options.

Click on the View tab , then select Show hidden files and folders from the list of options.

If you want to show folders on Windows, you can uncheck the box next to " Hide protected operating system files" .

After you've finished, click OK to save the changes.

3. Video tutorial on viewing hidden files on Windows 10

The above is the quickest way to view hidden files on Windows without installing any additional hidden file viewing software. Hopefully, this article is helpful to you.

Please refer to the following articles for more information:

1. 4 Ways to Reset Windows to its Original State
2. 2 steps to open the virtual keyboard in Windows XP/7/8/8.1
3. 4 ways to make Windows 10 start up faster

Good luck!