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Show hidden files, folders, and extensions in Windows

Created on  | Last modified on 

Summary

How to show hidden files and folders and file extensions when searching or browsing in Windows Explorer.

Description

Certain files and folders hide from view during searches or browsing in Windows Explorer.

Resolution

Windows 11

  1. Press the Windows key Windows key on a keyboard. + E.
  2. Select View, hover over Show.
  3. Select Hidden items.
  4. Check your settings are as follows:
    Advanced settings Checkbox
    Don't show hidden files, folders, or drives Clear
    Show hidden files, folders, and drives Select
    Hide extensions for known file types Clear
    Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) Clear - A warning message shows when you clear this checkbox - click Yes to this warning.

     
  5. Select Apply then OK.

Go to support.microsoft.com for more information.

Windows 10

  1. Press the Windows key Windows key on a keyboard. + E.
  2. Select View, then Options.
  3. Select Change folder and search options.
  4. Select the View tab.
  5. Check your settings are as follows:
    Advanced settings Checkbox
    Don't show hidden files, folders, or drives Clear
    Show hidden files, folders, and drives Select
    Hide extensions for known file types Clear
    Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) Clear -

    when you clear this checkbox, a warning appears, select Yes.
  6. Select Apply then OK.

Go to support.microsoft.com for more information.