How to Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows 11

Windows 11, like its predecessors, hides certain files and folders by default — usually system-related ones that help your PC run smoothly. This is a safety measure to prevent accidental deletion or modification of critical files.

However, sometimes you need to access these hidden files — maybe to troubleshoot a problem, back up data, or remove leftover program files. Thankfully, showing hidden files and folders in Windows 11 is quick and easy, and you can do it using File Explorer, the Settings app, or even the Command Prompt.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the ways to view hidden files and folders in Windows 11.

1. Show Hidden Files Using File Explorer

The easiest way to reveal hidden files is through the File Explorer interface.

Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Click the View button on the top toolbar.
3. Hover over Show in the dropdown menu.
4. Select Hidden items from the list.

Once you enable this option, hidden files and folders will immediately appear in your directories. You’ll notice that hidden items look slightly faded or transparent — that’s how Windows marks them as hidden.

To hide them again, simply repeat the steps and uncheck Hidden items.

2. Show Hidden Files via Folder Options

If you want a more permanent way to control hidden files visibility, you can do it through the Folder Options menu.

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Click the three-dot menu (⋯) on the top toolbar and select Options.
3. In the Folder Options window, open the View tab.
4. Under Advanced settings, find Hidden files and folders.
5. Select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
6. Click Apply, then OK.

Now, all hidden files and folders will stay visible in File Explorer until you change this setting again.

3. Show Protected Operating System Files (Use With Caution)

Windows also hides important system files to prevent accidental damage. If you really need to access these (for example, to edit configuration files or repair boot data), you can make them visible — but proceed carefully.

1. Open File Explorer → three-dot menu → Options.
2. In the Folder Options window, go to the View tab.
3. Uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).
4. Click Yes when warned about potential risks.
5. Click Apply, then OK.

Warning: Do not modify or delete any system files unless you know exactly what you’re doing. Removing critical files can make Windows unstable or even unbootable.

4. Show Hidden Files Using the Settings App

You can also control the visibility of hidden files through Windows 11’s Settings.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Privacy & security → For developers.
3. Scroll down to the File Explorer section.
4. Toggle on Show hidden and system files.

This setting performs the same function as enabling “Hidden items” in File Explorer, but it’s handy if you prefer using the Settings interface.

5. Show Hidden Files via Command Prompt

If you’re comfortable with command-line tools, you can use Command Prompt to list hidden files in a specific directory.

1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
2. Use the cd command to navigate to your desired folder. For example: cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents
3. Then run: dir /ah
   • /a shows all files (including hidden and system files).
   • /h specifically lists hidden files.

To show all files including hidden and normal ones:

dir /a

You’ll now see a list of hidden files and folders in the specified directory directly in the Command Prompt window.

6. Show Hidden Files via PowerShell

PowerShell offers another quick way to view hidden files — and it’s a bit more flexible than Command Prompt.

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Enter the following command: Get-ChildItem -Force This command lists all files, including hidden and system ones, in the current directory.

To navigate to a specific folder, use:

Set-Location "C:\Path\To\Folder"

Then re-run the command above to see the contents.

7. Show Hidden Files on USB Drives or External Storage

If hidden files are not visible on a USB drive or external hard disk:

1. Connect the drive to your PC.
2. Open File Explorer → This PC → [Your USB Drive].
3. Go to View → Show → Hidden items.

Alternatively, use the Folder Options → View tab method and select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

This is particularly useful for viewing files hidden by viruses or system utilities on external drives.

8. Re-Hide Hidden Files After You’re Done

Once you’ve completed your task, it’s best to hide those files again — especially system files — to avoid accidental deletion.

To do that:

• In File Explorer, go to View → Show → Hidden items, and uncheck the option.
• Or go back to Folder Options → View tab, and select Don’t show hidden files, folders, or drives.

This restores the default protection settings.

Wrapping Up

Showing hidden files and folders in Windows 11 is simple, whether you prefer using File Explorer, Settings, or command-line tools.

Just remember — many hidden and system files exist for a reason. So while it’s fine to view them, avoid modifying or deleting anything unless you’re absolutely sure what it does.

With the steps above, you can safely access hidden items whenever you need to troubleshoot, back up data, or clean up system files — and just as easily hide them again when you’re done.