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Many features and functions of Windows operating systems have been around for a long time, but the ordinary user isn’t always aware of them. Consider ‘hidden files’ – they’re typically not visible, yet they’re vital to the system’s operation and structure.
Keeping with tradition, Microsoft has made it significantly more difficult for consumers to find these hidden jewels in Windows 11.
In this guide, we’ll be exploring Windows 11’s inner workings to bring these secret/hidden files to light for your convenience.
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How to Reveal Hidden Files in Windows 11?
- Inspect And Control Hidden Files
After their hiding is exposed, you may access and handle them similarly to any other file on your computer. You may adjust their characteristics as needed, including copying, relocating, removing, and so forth. - Locate Hidden Files
Look for folders and files with transparent or fading icons as you scan the contents of the specified location. If you see these indicators, the file or folder is hidden from normal view. - Find Your Way To Your Goal
Go to the spot where you think hidden files may be kept now that you can see hidden stuff. This may be anywhere on your Windows 11 machine, including the system directory or an application folder.
Now let’s see how you can enable the hidden file display on your Windows PC.
Step 1: Launch The File Explorer
Using “File Explorer”, you may access all of the files and folders on your Windows 11 computer. You can access all of the tools you need to manage your files, including the ones that are hidden, by using File Explorer. Take a look at your desktop or taskbar for the “File Explorer” icon. Another option for quickly opening File Explorer is to hit the ‘Windows key plus E’ on your keyboard.
NOTE: Sometimes .enc files are hidden, but even if you unhide them — you still need to know how to open them, you can find out how here.
Step 2: Toggle Hidden Files On/Off
In Windows 11, turning off hidden files is as simple as turning them on. You may easily revert to a clutter-free view inside “File Explorer” by clicking the “View” tab at the top of the window when you’ve finished working with hidden files. The “Hidden items” option has to be unchecked in the “Show” section. By doing so, you tell File Explorer to restore the hidden state of any files or folders you or the system have previously concealed.
Restoring the default settings allows you to keep File Explorer’s simplified browsing experience, where just visible files and folders are shown.
(Optional) Return to Factory Settings
To make File Explorer easier to use daily, you may return it to its original settings and it will only show visible files and directories. You can always go back to File Explorer’s original settings when you’ve done dealing with hidden files. Going back to the “View” tab, you may accomplish this by clicking “Hidden items” box so it is ‘checked’.
Utilize Control Panel
A user may access the options to make hidden files accessible using the Control Panel. For those who are more used to working with the “Control Panel”, this technique provides another option.
- Type “Control Panel” into the ‘Win+S’ search bar, then hit ‘Enter’.
- Go to the “Appearance and Personalization“ settings.
- Select “Show hidden files and folders” from the “File Explorer Options” menu.
- In the “Folder Options” box, go to the “View” tab.
- In the “Advanced” menu, choose the option to reveal hidden files, folders, and drives.
- To apply the changes, click “Apply” and then “OK”.
With these steps, you’ll be able to confidently browse through Windows 11’s hidden files, uncovering and managing them efficiently. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, Windows 11 is much better when you know how to access hidden folders.
Hope this short guide was helpful and if you need any other assistance, we’re looking forward to your comments down below.
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