How to See Hidden Folders in Windows

Introduction

Windows operating systems often have hidden folders that are not immediately visible. These folders can contain important system information, user data, and valuable files. If you need to access these hidden folders, you can use various methods. This article will guide you through the process of viewing and accessing hidden files and folders in Windows.

Method 1: Using File Explorer and View Options

Press WinKey E to open File Explorer.

In the ribbon at the top, click on the View tab.

Ensure that the Show hidden files, folders, and drives option is checked. If not, check the box and then click OK.

Your hidden folders should now be visible.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt

Press CTRL SHIFT ESC to open the Task Manager.

Press ALT to activate the Start menu and then select Run.

In the Run dialog box, type cmd and press Enter.

Left click on the Start button, right-click on Explorer, and select Run as administrator.

Method 3: Using Folder Options in Control Panel

Select the Start button, then select Control Panel Appearance and Personalization.

Click on Folder Options and then select the View tab.

Under Advanced settings, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

Click OK.

Additional Methods

For more advanced users or when dealing with specific situations, other methods can be employed:

Unhide files or folders with Windows Explorer: Press WinKey E to open File Explorer. Click on the View tab. Check the Hidden Items option. Your hidden files will now be shown.

Unhide files or folders with Command Prompt: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Type cd C: and press Enter. Type dir and press Enter.

Use the Data Recovery Tool: Select the areas and drive to recover deleted hidden files. Choose a scanning mode (recommend deep scan). Wait for the scan to complete. Select the files, click Recover, and wait for the process to complete.

Caution and Precautions

When enabling options to show hidden files and folders, it's important to be cautious. Showing hidden system files and folders like the hibernate and page files can cause issues if accidentally deleted. Ensure you understand the potential risks and take precautions.