Instructions to show hidden system files in Windows 11

In File Explorer on Windows, some files and extensions are hidden by default. Showing hidden and system files can help you identify the type of file and determine which program should open it. A recent update to Windows allows users to show or hide hidden and system files in File Explorer. Here's how to show hidden system files in Windows 11.

How to show hidden system files on Windows 11

Step 1:

Open Settings on your computer and then click on System . Now look to the side and click on Advanced to adjust advanced settings on your computer.

Step 2:

Switch to the new interface, click on File Explorer to make adjustments.

Step 3:

Show settings for File Explorer Windows 11. Here you just need to enable the Show hidden and system files option to display hidden system files on your computer.

As a result, the user will see all the system files that were previously hidden on the computer.

Kareem Winters

Update 08 September 2025