To show hidden files on Windows 11, open File Explorer, click View in the toolbar, point to Show, and click Hidden items; on Windows 10, open the View tab and tick the Hidden items checkbox.
Windows hides certain files and folders by default so everyday browsing stays uncluttered and so people do not accidentally delete something important. Sometimes you genuinely need to see them, for example to clear a corrupt settings file, back up an app’s data, or follow a troubleshooting guide. Here is how to reveal them safely on current versions of Windows.
Show hidden files in Windows 11
Windows 11 moved this control into a simple menu at the top of File Explorer.
- Open File Explorer (Win+E).
- Click View in the toolbar along the top.
- Point to Show.
- Click Hidden items so a check mark appears.
Hidden files and folders now appear, shown slightly faded so you can tell them apart from normal items. To hide them again, repeat the steps and remove the check mark.
Show hidden files in Windows 10
Windows 10 uses the older ribbon layout instead of a View menu.
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the View tab on the ribbon at the top of the window.
- In the Show/hide group, tick the Hidden items checkbox.
The change applies right away everywhere in File Explorer. This is the main visual difference between the two versions; the underlying setting is the same.
Also turn on file name extensions
While you are in the same menu, it is worth enabling file extensions too. This shows endings such as .docx, .jpg, or .exe, which helps you recognize what a file actually is and avoid opening a disguised program.
- Windows 11: View > Show > File name extensions.
- Windows 10: View tab > tick File name extensions.
Why Windows hides files in the first place
Understanding the reason helps you decide what is safe to touch. Windows marks a file or folder as hidden when it holds configuration, cached data, or system information that most people never need to open directly. Keeping these out of sight prevents the average user from accidentally moving, renaming, or deleting something an app depends on, which could stop the app or Windows from working. The hidden attribute is just a flag on the file; it does not encrypt or lock anything, and turning the flag off does not damage the file. That is why revealing hidden items is completely reversible and safe to do, even though changing what you find inside them may not be.
Hidden files versus protected system files
There are two distinct levels of hiding in Windows, and knowing the difference keeps you out of trouble.
| Type | Examples | How to reveal |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden items | AppData, ProgramData, app cache folders | View > Show > Hidden items |
| Protected operating-system files | pagefile.sys, boot files, hidden system folders | Folder Options > View > untick “Hide protected operating system files” |
Most tasks only need the first setting. Revealing protected operating-system files is rarely necessary and increases the risk of deleting something Windows depends on, so leave them hidden unless a trusted guide specifically tells you otherwise. To reach the second setting, open File Explorer’s three-dot menu (Windows 11) or the View tab (Windows 10), choose Options, then the View tab in the Folder Options window.
Reaching common hidden folders quickly
You do not always have to browse manually. The File Explorer address bar accepts shortcuts that jump straight to hidden locations:
- Click the address bar in File Explorer.
- Type %appdata% and press Enter to open your Roaming app data folder.
- Type %localappdata% for the Local app data folder, or %temp% for temporary files.
These paths live inside C:UsersYourNameAppData, which is hidden by default. They are where many apps store settings and caches, so this is often where troubleshooting steps send you. If your aim is to reclaim room by clearing those caches, the same principle applies across devices; see how to clear cache on iPhone for the mobile equivalent, and how to free up space on iPhone for the broader cleanup approach.
Hidden files on external drives and USB sticks
The Hidden items setting applies everywhere in File Explorer, including USB flash drives, external hard drives, and network locations, so you do not need to change anything separately when you plug in a drive. This is useful because malware and some backup tools create hidden folders on removable media. If a USB stick appears empty but the drive shows space in use, turning on Hidden items often reveals the missing files. Be cautious with any hidden executable you did not create, and scan the drive with Windows Security before opening anything unfamiliar.
Showing hidden files for a single reason, then re-hiding
If you only turned on hidden items to fix one problem, consider switching the setting back off afterward. That keeps everyday folders tidy and reduces the chance of moving or deleting something important later. Hidden files are still fully counted in your storage totals and are included in backups whether or not they are visible, so hiding them again changes nothing except what you see. Before you delete anything you find inside a hidden app folder, it is wise to have a backup of your important data first; the same secure-your-data-first habit described in how to back up your iPhone applies just as well to a PC. With hidden items visible, you can follow almost any advanced Windows guide, but treat these files with care and only change what you understand.
