To everyone’s surprise, Windows 11‘s release brought an all-new File Explorer with it. Hence, it’s only fair that the way you used to operate with Windows 10’s Explorer will now change. Windows has the capability of containing hidden files, and most users don’t bother about them.
In Windows 10, toggling the option to show or hide hidden files and folders was easy. But that’s not the same anymore with Windows 11. This guide will help you show hidden files and folders in Windows 11.
Showing Hidden Files & Folders in Windows 11
To begin, we’ll make use of File Explorer’s options.
1. Open File Explorer from the Start Menu or Taskbar.
2. From the top panel containing all the settings, click on the 3-dot icon and click on Options.
3. Then, click on the View tab and navigate to Hidden files and folders under Files and Folders.
4. There, you’ll have to click on the option that reads Show Hidden files, folders, and drives.
5. Finally, click on the OK button and close the window.
This will enable the regular hidden files stored in your system. However, the OS’ or the system’s hidden files still won’t be displayed. To do so, you need to proceed with the following:
1. Firstly, open the File Explorer from the Start Menu or Taskbar.
2. From the top panel containing all the settings, click on the 3-dot icon and click on Options
3. Then, click on the View tab and navigate to Hidden files and folders under Files and Folders.
4. Under the tab, uncheck the option that reads Hide protected operating system files.
5. Finally, click on OK and close the window.
Consequently, all hidden files and folders, including the system ones, will be shown in the File Explorer. If you want to revert all the settings you have made there, just untick the “Hide protected operating system files” option and choose the “Don’t show hidden files, folders, and drives” option.
Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below.
Also, make sure to check our quirky Windows 11 guides.
