Windows hides many files and folders by default, preventing users from deleting or modifying files they shouldn't touch. But you lot can make Windows show these hidden files past changing a single setting.

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Information technology's easy  to make whatsoever file hidden, besides. But right-click it, select "Properties", and toggle the "Subconscious" aspect on or off. On the ribbon on Windows 8 and ten, click the "Hide selected items" push button to quickly make files and folders hidden or visible.

Prove Subconscious Files on Windows 8 and 10

This selection is easily accessible in File Explorer on Windows 8 and 10.

Click the "View" tab on File Explorer's ribbon and click the "Hidden items" checkbox in the Show/hibernate section. File Explorer will immediately show hidden files and will recollect this setting until y'all change information technology.

Show Hidden Files on Windows 7

This option is a niggling more hidden on Windows seven, where information technology's buried in the Folder Options window.

Click the "Organize" push on Windows Explorer's toolbar and select "Folder and search options" to open it.

Click the "View" tab at the pinnacle of the Folder Options window. Select "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" under Subconscious files and folders. Click "OK" to relieve the new setting.

This options window is also attainable on Windows viii and 10—just click the "Options" button on the View toolbar in File Explorer. But it's quicker to hands toggle subconscious items on or off using the ribbon.

This window is also attainable via the Control Console on any version of Windows. Head to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options. On Windows 8 and x, it'southward named "File Explorer Options" instead.

View Protected Operating Organization Files on Windows 7, 8, and x

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Windows has two unlike types of hidden files: Normal hidden items, and protected operating organisation files. When you lot show hidden files and folders, Windows will continue to hide protected operating system files. These are hidden files with the "system" attribute.

These files are "protected" for a reason. They're important system files and deleting or modifying them could damage your operating organisation, potentially even making Windows unbootable. Simply, if you know what you're doing and you need to view these protected operating system files, there's a setting you can alter. We don't recommend doing this unless yous know yous need to access one of these files or folders for some reason.

Beginning, open the Folder Options window. On Windows eight and 10, click the "Options" button on the View toolbar. On Windows vii, click Organize > Folder and search options.

Click the "View" tab. Uncheck the "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" box.

Windows volition warn you lot that deleting or editing protected operating system files could break your operating system. If you know what y'all're doing, click "Yes" to continue.

Click "OK" to save your settings. Windows will prove you protected operating system files equally well as normal hidden files.

Return to the Binder Options window and re-enable the "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" checkbox if y'all ever want to hide these files in one case again.