How to Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives in Windows 11

Option 1Show Hidden Files Using 📁 File Explorer

1. Open 📁 File Explorer. You can press Windows + E on your keyboard to open it quickly.
2. At the top, click on the View menu.
3. Hover over or click Show.
4. Click on Hidden items to check it. This will show hidden files and folders. Uncheck it to hide them again.

Option 2Show Hidden Files Using Folder Options

1. Open Folder Options:

   • Press Windows + S, type Folder Options or 📁 File Explorer Options and select it.
2. Click the View tab.
3. Under “Hidden files and folders,” choose Show hidden files, folders, and drives to see hidden items, or Don’t show to hide them.
4. Click OK to save your changes.

Option 3Show or Hide Protected Operating System Files

Folder Options in Windows 11 can be used to show protected operating system files. Windows hides these important files to prevent accidental changes, but they can be revealed by unchecking ‘Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)’ in the View tab of Folder Options.

1. Open Folder Options and go to the View tab.
2. Find Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) and uncheck it to show these files.
3. You will see a warning — click Yes to continue.
4. Click OK to apply the changes.

Be careful: These files are essential for Windows to function correctly. Avoid changing or deleting them unless you have a clear understanding of their purpose.

Option 4Use a Registry File to Show or Hide Hidden Files

For those comfortable with advanced settings, using a registry file offers a quick way to show or hide hidden files in Windows 11. Running a specific command adds a registry key, which is an entry in Windows’ configuration database, altering this setting and simplifying management of hidden items.

Run the command below to show hidden files.

reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v Hidden /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Run the command below to hide hidden files again.

reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v Hidden /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Option 5Use a Registry File to Show or Hide Protected Operating System Files

Registry files also provide a convenient way to manage protected operating system files in Windows 11, alongside regular hidden files. This approach allows for control over both types of hidden files with a single command, presenting a streamlined option for advanced users.

Run the commands below to show protected system files.

reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v Hidden /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v ShowSuperHidden /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Run the commands below to hide the protected system files again.

reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced" /v ShowSuperHidden /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Apply these changes by following the same steps as in Option 4.

Option 6Turn On or Off Hidden and System Files in ⚙️ Windows Settings

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Click System on the left side.
3. On the right, click Advanced (you can also open it quickly by clicking this link).
4. Click on 📁 File Explorer.
5. Turn On or Off the toggle for Show hidden and system files depending on what you want.

Windows 11 Settings allow for easy toggling of hidden and system files. Access Settings by pressing ⊞ Win+I, then navigate to System > Advanced. Click on 📁 File Explorer to locate the ‘Show hidden and system files’ toggle.

Summary

Showing files that Windows normally hides is achievable through several methods: 📁 File Explorer, Folder Options, Registry files, or Settings. Hidden files appear dimmed, serving as a visual reminder of their usual status. Exercise extra caution with protected system files, as they are crucial for Windows’ smooth operation. Select the method that feels most comfortable and secure.

• You can easily show or hide files that Windows normally hides.
• There are several ways to do it: through 📁 File Explorer, Folder Options, Registry files, or Settings.
• Hidden files look dimmed so you know they are normally hidden.
• Be extra careful with protected system files — they keep Windows running smoothly.
• Choose the method that feels easiest and safest for you.

For more information, consult the official Microsoft guide here: View Hidden Files and Folders in Windows.