But you’re free to make Windows show these hidden files by changing a single setting.
To see them, you’ll need to flip another option, which we explain below.
It’s easy tomake any file hidden, too.
Just right-click it, select “Properties”, and toggle the “Hidden” attribute on or off.
Step 2: hit the “View” tab at the top of the Folder Options window.
Select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” under Hidden files and folders.
Click “OK” to save the new setting.
But it’s quicker to easily toggle hidden items on or off using the ribbon.
This window is also accessible via the Control Panel on most versions of Windows prior to 11.
Head to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options.
On Windows 10, it’s named “File Explorer Options” instead.
When you show hidden files and folders, Windows will continue to hide protected operating system files.
These arehidden files with the “system” attribute.
These files are “protected” for a reason.
Uncheck the “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” box.
Windows will warn you that deleting or editing protected operating system files could break your operating system.
If you know what you’re doing, click “Yes” to continue.
Click “OK” to store your options.
Windows will show you protected operating system files as well as normal hidden files.
