Windows 11 handles hidden files and folders almost identically to previous Windows versions: with special file flags. Showing these hidden files in File Explorer is easy. That's how.
First, launch File Explorer by opening Start and searching “File Browser”, or by clicking the File Explorer icon on your taskbar if it's pinned there.
When File Explorer opens, click the ellipsis button (three points) in the toolbar near the top of the window. In the menu that appears, select “Choices”.
In the window “Folder options” that opens, click on the tab “Watch”.
In the listing “Advanced settings”, look for the option “Hidden folders and files”. With option buttons, select “Show files, hidden folders and drives”. Then click on “To accept” at the bottom of the window.
Hidden files and folders will instantly become visible in File Explorer and on your desktop. When i see them, your icons will have a slightly translucent or faded appearance.
If you want to hide them again later, use “Choices” in File Explorer to open Folder Options again, click on “Watch”, select “Do not show files, hidden folders or drives” and click “To accept”.
RELATED: How to show hidden files and folders in Windows 7, 8 O 10
How to display protected operating system files in Windows 11
In Windows, there is another type of file hidden: a system file, which is hidden and protected by default to keep your operating system working properly. If you want to see this hidden file type, open File Explorer, Click the button “three points” in the toolbar, then select “Choices”.
In the Folder Options window, click on the tab “Watch”, then scroll down the list “Advanced settings” and uncheck “Hide protected operating system files (recommended)”.
As soon as you click the checkbox, a new dialog window will open warning you about the dangers of revealing protected operating system files.
Warning: You are about to reveal confidential operating system files. If you move or delete hidden system files, could interrupt your Windows installation 11 or potentially cause data loss. Therefore proceed with extreme caution.
If you know what you are doing and are willing to accept the risks, click on “Yes”.
Then close the Folder Options window by pressing “To accept”. In the same way as with the hidden files revealed in the previous section, protected operating system files will appear translucent on your desktop and in File Explorer.
When you are done with your homework, in general it is a good idea to hide the protected files of your operating system again. To do it, open the Folder Options as shown above, click on the tab “Watch”, then place a check mark next to “Hide protected operating system files (recommended)” and click “To accept”. Good luck!
RELATED: What is a Windows system file?
