How to Show Hidden Files on Windows 10?

Windows 10 computer has many files that you don’t see in the File Explorer folder. These files are hidden by your system. However, if you ever need to view those hidden files, you can view them easily. Therefore, in this guide, we will learn how to show hidden files on Windows 10.

How Do I Show Hidden Files on Windows 10?

To show hidden files folders on Windows 10, you can follow numerous ways. For instance, you can navigate through the File Explorer, Control Panel, launch Registry, use This PC app, Properties menu, run commands, or access direct file path to view hidden files.

Here, you will discover these methods with a step by step guide. Let’s learn how to show hidden files and folders on Windows 10 using different methods. Start reading!

Method 1: Show Hidden Files on Windows 10 from File Explorer

The first method to view hidden files on your computer is to use the File Explorer. For that, you can follow these steps mentioned below:

• Click on the “Windows” key to open the “Start” menu.
• Select the “File Explorer”.
• Then, expand the menu bar.
• Select the “^” icon to toggle the menu bar (located on the top right).
• Now, click on the “View” tab.
• Click on the “Hidden items” checkbox. This will show the hidden items on your computer.

• You can also click on the “Options” and choose “View”. This will allow you to view hidden files with more options.

So these steps are for how to show hidden files on Windows 10 via File Explorer. In case, you no longer wish to view hidden system files then uncheck the “Hidden items” option. This will hide your files in the operating system. To know about more ways to view hidden files, look for other methods.

Method 2: Show Hidden System Files on Windows 10 using Control Panel

The Control Panel is the best way to control all your system settings. In this method, we will learn how to show hidden files and folders on Windows 10 using the Control Panel.

• Right-click on the “Windows” key or “Start” menu.
• Select the “Control” panel.
• Now, click on the “Appearance and Personalization” option.
• Then, choose “File Explorer Options”.
• Go to the “View” tab.
• Scroll down and change “Hidden files and folders” settings by selecting the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option.
• You can also uncheck the “Hide protected operating system files” box.

This is how you can show hidden files folders on Windows 10 using the Control Panel. If you wish to hide these system files then you can check the box that says “Don’t show hidden files, folders, or drives”.

Method 3: Show Hidden Files on Windows 10 via Registry

By following the registry method, you can show the hidden files on your operating system. For that, you can follow the steps instructed below:

• Press “Windows” + “R” keys on your keyboard. This will launch the “Run” dialog box.
• Then, type “Regedit” in the text field.
• Hit the “Enter” button.
• Now, go through the following location:
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER
  • Software
  • Microsoft
  • Windows
  • CurrentVersion
  • Explorer
  • Advanced
• At this point, set the value for the following:
  • Set the “Hidden” value to “1”. This will show the hidden files, drives, and folders.
  • Set the “ShowSuperHidden” value to “1”. This will show the protected operating system files.

These are the steps for how to show hidden files on Windows 10 via Registry. In case, you wish to hide back those system files then you can set the “Hidden” value to “2”. To hide protected system files, set the “ShowSuperHidden” value to “2”.

Method 4: Show Hidden Files on Windows 10 using This PC App

Windows 10 has This PC app installed on it. In this method, we will view hidden files using This PC application. Learn how Windows show hidden files on Windows 10 quickly.

• Press the “Windows” icon located on the left bottom.
• Type “This PC” in the search bar and launch it.
• Here, you will see the list of computer drives. Open the folder where your files should be located. In most cases, it should be in Drive C.
• In the next window, click on the “View” located on the top toolbar.
• Find the “Hidden items” checkbox and place the checkmark.

This will view the hidden files as long as the “Hidden Items” are checked. To hide these system files back, you can click on the “Hidden Items” to remove the checkmark. So these are steps for how to show hidden files on Windows 10 using This PC app.

Method 5: On Windows 10, How to Show Hidden Files using Properties Menu?

Are you wondering how Windows show hidden files on Windows 10? Let’s know about it. In this method, we will use the Properties menu to view the hidden files.

• Right-click anywhere on your computer screen.
• Select the “Properties” option from the contextual menu.
• In the “ProgramData Properties” window, uncheck the “Hidden” box.
• Now, click on the “OK” button. This will show the hidden files.

These are the steps for how to show hidden files on Windows 10 using the “Properties” window. If you want to keep the files hidden then you can check the “Hidden” box. This will hide your system files securely.

Method 6: Access Direct File Path to Show Hidden Files Folders on Windows 10

If you are thinking “how do I show hidden files on Windows 10” then follow the direct file path and view the hidden system files. To do so, you can follow these steps.

• Press “Windows” + “R” keys on your keyboard. This will launch the “Run” dialog box.
• Type the file or folder name in the text field (if you remember it)
• Hit the “Enter” button.

 For example: C:\users\admin\desktop\secret file\mysecret.txt”. This will open the “mysecret.txt” file.

Note: Make sure you are logged in as the right user so that you can access the system (hidden) files.

Method 7: Show Hidden Files on Windows 10 using CMD

When you are unable to view hidden files, you can also run the command. This method is effective and helps you to show hidden system files. Learn how to show hidden files on Windows 10 using CMD.

• Click on the “Start” menu or press the “Windows” key.
• Type “cmd” in the search bar.
• Right-click on the “Command Prompt”.
• Click on the ”Run as administrator” option.
• Now enter the following command in the “Command Prompt” window:

attrib -h -r -s /s /d f:*.*

• Then, replace the “F” with the drive letter that contains hidden files.

This is how you can view hidden files on Windows 10 running this command. When no option works for you, the command will help you to show hidden files on Windows 10.

Wrap up

Although your system files are safe when they are hidden. But if someday you need to view the hidden files then you can view them. So if you think how Windows show hidden files on Windows 10 then our guide will help you.

In this blog, we have discussed the best possible options through which you can show hidden files. Also, if it is required then you can hide those system files back.

To get more guides like these, read about Windows 10 rotate screen 90 degrees shortcut keys?