How to Show or Hide Hidden Files, Folders, or Drives in Windows 10 & 11
By Timothy Tibbettson 06/15/2023 |
Microsoft intentionally hides any system files from the end-user to protect the operating system from being damaged. For most of us, this is probably best. If the time comes when you need to see hidden files, it's simple to do.
We can use File Explorer Options or our batch files on Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7.
How to Show Hidden Files, Folders, or Drives in Options
Press the Windows Key + S and type in Folder. Click on File Explorer Options.
You can also open File Explorer and click on View > Options.
Click on the View tab.
Look for the folder that says Hidden files and folders. Below that, you will see two checkboxes:
Don't show hidden files, folders, or drives
Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
Check the box for what you need and click OK.
Another consideration is Hide protected operating system files. Typically, leaving protected operating system files hidden is best unless you know what you're doing.
How to Show Hidden Files, Folders, or Drives With Batch Files
To show or hide hidden files, folders, drives, or protected operating system files, we can edit the registry, but you need to restart File Explorer. Using our batch files, you can make the changes, then restart File Explorer automatically.
Download Show or Hide Hidden Files, Folders, or Drives and extract the four files.
Right-click the file for what you want to do, and click Run as administrator:
Show Hidden Files Folders Drives.bat
Hide Hidden Files Folders Drives.bat
Show Protected Operating System Files.bat
Hide Protected Operating System Files.bat
Your screen will flash as Explorer restarts, and the changes are applied.
This tweak is included as part of MajorGeeks Windows Tweaks.
Similar:
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How to Change Folder View Template for All Folders in Windows 10
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File Explorer or Windows Explorer Crashes or Freezes
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We can use File Explorer Options or our batch files on Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7.
How to Show Hidden Files, Folders, or Drives in Options
Press the Windows Key + S and type in Folder. Click on File Explorer Options.
You can also open File Explorer and click on View > Options.
Click on the View tab.
Look for the folder that says Hidden files and folders. Below that, you will see two checkboxes:
Check the box for what you need and click OK.
Another consideration is Hide protected operating system files. Typically, leaving protected operating system files hidden is best unless you know what you're doing.
How to Show Hidden Files, Folders, or Drives With Batch Files
To show or hide hidden files, folders, drives, or protected operating system files, we can edit the registry, but you need to restart File Explorer. Using our batch files, you can make the changes, then restart File Explorer automatically.
Download Show or Hide Hidden Files, Folders, or Drives and extract the four files.
Right-click the file for what you want to do, and click Run as administrator:
Show Hidden Files Folders Drives.bat
Hide Hidden Files Folders Drives.bat
Show Protected Operating System Files.bat
Hide Protected Operating System Files.bat
Your screen will flash as Explorer restarts, and the changes are applied.
This tweak is included as part of MajorGeeks Windows Tweaks.
Similar:
comments powered by Disqus
