Are you looking for hidden files or folders? And you don’t know how to view them in Windows 11? Well you are in the right place. Windows 11 brought many new updates with it. This is different with Windows 11, some settings are now more difficult to find, such as the options for showing hidden files.
The View tab is no longer available in the new File Explorer, but you can still view hidden files and folders in the new menu and folder options. And of course, you can also use the Control Panel and Registry to view the hidden files.
In this guide you will learn How to show hidden files and folders on Windows 11 using 5 different methods. But first, let’s know what exactly are hidden files.
What is a hidden file on Windows 11?
Windows 11 systems are configured not to show hidden files by default. A hidden file is a file whose hidden attribute is set. As expected, files or folders with this property set are not visible when referencing the folder. You can’t see them all unless you specifically allow them to see all of the folders.
In Windows 11, some files and folders are automatically hidden because, unlike other data such as photos and documents, there are no files to change, delete or move. These are often important files related to the operating system. There are hidden files on both Windows and macOS computers.
5 quick ways to reveal hidden files and folders on Windows 11
Windows 11 has been around for a while and you see a lot of changes with it. It is natural to face change, but basically the operating system remains true to its original functions. Only the way there is different now. Here we are going to show you 5 ways to show hidden files or folders on your Windows 11 PC or laptop.
Method 1: show hidden files on Windows 11 using layout and view options
- Open File Explorer on your Windows 11 computer by going to the Start menu or the Windows key + E Keyboard shortcuts.
- Next, find and tap the “Layout and view options”Menu (the second menu from the right).
- Now tap on that show Submenu and tap on the Hidden Items option to check them out.
- After enabling the hidden items options, you can see hidden files and folders in File Explorer.
Method 2: show hidden files on Windows 11 from Control Panel
- Open Control Panel by looking for it in the Start menu, or click here for many other ways to open Control Panel.
- Now find and tap Appearance and Personalization.
- Then tap File Explorer Options which is on the right.
- Now tap on that view Tab from the Folder Options menu that opens.
- On the View tab, select the option Show hidden files, folders and drives Option under Advanced settings.
- Finally click on Apply, then click OK to save the changes. Now you can view the hidden files or folders.
Method 3. Show hidden files on Windows 11 using folder options
- Open File Explorer with the Windows key + E Keyboard shortcut or go to the start menu.
- Next, tap Show more (three points) menu and choose the Options Items.
- Now click on that view Tab from the Folder Options menu that opens.
- On the View tab, enable the Show hidden files, folders and drives Option under Advanced settings.
- Tap that Apply and then click the button OK Button.
After completing these steps, anyone using File Explorer in Windows 11 can now see files and folders with hidden attributes.
Method 4: show hidden files on Windows 11 by using the registry
- Press
Windows + Rto open the Run app. Art regedit and press Enter Button to open the registry. - Next, copy and paste the address below into the registry’s address bar, then press Enter.
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER Software Microsoft Windows CurrentVersion Explorer Advanced
- Find that now Advanced Folder in the left pane and tap on it, then find the Hidden Option from the right pane and double click on it.
- Next, change the value data to 1, then tap OK. If you enter 1, it will show the hidden files on your Windows 11 computer. If you want to hide the files again, come back to this location and change the value to 2.
- Now you need to change one more data value to make sure that all the hidden files are shown. Find the ShowSuperHidden value in the right pane and double click on it.
- As in the previous step, change the value to 1 and click OK. And that’s it!
After completing the steps, files and folders with the hidden attribute will now be visible to anyone using File Explorer on Windows 11.
Method 5: Find Hidden Files on Windows 11 Using Direct File Path
This method only works if you know the exact name of the hidden file. There is no point in looking for the file directly in the file browser unless the hidden file name is created. If you know the exact name, enter a name for the file in the quick access search box that appears in the file browser. The hidden file is displayed in the search list. Here’s how to do it:
- Open that File manager from the search app.
- Put the exact name of the file in the Fast access Search bar and then press Enter.
- If you have entered the name correctly, you will see the hidden files.
Conclusion
Here are 5 different methods that you can use to quickly view or show hidden files and folders on a Windows 11 computer. You can use File Explorer, Control Panel, Registry, or just search for the hidden file if you know the name of that file. We hope you find this article helpful. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments section below. Good luck!
Also read:
- How to switch out of S mode in Windows 11
- How to make a user an administrator on Windows 11
- How to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode