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Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files

Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files

Written By Jitesh Kumar
Last Updated April 28, 2022
Posted In Windows 11

This post will show you how to view Windows 11 hidden files, folders, and drives. Windows hide many Windows-protected system files and folders by default, preventing users from deleting or modifying files, Hidden files, folders, and drives do not show by default in Windows.

Latest Updated Post – Windows 11 New File Explorer Experience New Features Design Details

Windows 11 balances a new, refreshed look and feel with the familiarity of the Window, In the Windows 11 new file explorer, There are several new design changes with ribbon menu options when you compare with Windows 10 file explorer. However, the functionality of file explorer is not changed at all. We will check the windows option to show hidden files with the new UI change.

Being an IT Pro, If you want to check the latest Windows 11 update experience, Install the Insider version, and want to upgrade your existing system to Windows 11. You can refer to the detailed guide about how to upgrade to Windows 11 and how to register for Windows 11 Insider Program Registration Process.

Windows 11 taskbar post –> How To Customize Windows 11 Taskbar Step By Step Guide

Show Hidden Files in Layout and View Options

Here’s how to display hidden files and folders –

  • In Windows 11 device, Open File Explorer. 
  • Click the Layout and view options menu and Select the Show submenu and check the Hidden items option.

As there is no more ribbon with tabs, you will find Layout and view options in the new Explorer.

Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files
Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files

Once you check the hidden items box, You will be presented with hidden files, folders on your device.

Show Hidden Files in File Explorer Options

  • In Windows 11 device, Open File Explorer. 
  • Click on the See more (three-dotted) menu and select the Options.
Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files
Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files

In the View tab, Under the Advanced settings section, in the Hidden files and folders group. Select Show hidden files, folders, and drives, and click on Apply then OK.

Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files
Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files

When you show hidden files and folders, Windows will continue to hide protected operating system files. To show protected operating system files, In the View tab, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives, uncheck the Hide protected operating system files box, and click on Apply, OK. A prompt might appear, Click OK to confirm the changes.

Important – It’s not recommended to show protected operating system files to users.

Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files
Easy Steps to View Windows 11 Hidden Files

Once you complete the above steps, hidden files, folders, and drivers will be visible to you.

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