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How to view hidden files and folders in Windows

Hidden files and folders will be grayed out. This is merely to indicate that they are a hidden. You can still use them as though they were a normal files or folders.
CAUTION: Windows stores many important settings in hidden files and folders. Therefore, you should not delete, modify or rename hidden files or folders unless you know what you are doing, or are following our instructions.

To learn how to configure Windows to show you files and folders that are hiddennote, click on the version of Windows you are using, below.

Windows XP Windows 7 Windows 8 & 10
     
  1. Open the Start Menu and click on My Computer.
  2. In the My Computer window, access the menu option Tools>Folder Options...
  3. In the Folder Options dialog window, select the View tab:
  4. In the Advanced settings section, locate Hidden files and folders and select Show hidden files and folders just below that.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Hidden files will now be shown.note
  1. Open the Start Menu and click on Computer:
  2. Click the Organize button on Windows Explorer’stoolbar and select Folder and search options.
  3. In the Folder Options window, select the View tab.
  4. In the Advanced settings section, locate Hidden files and folders and select Show hidden files, folders, and drives just below that.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Hidden files will now be shown.note

This option is easily accessible in File Explorer on Windows 8 and 10:

  1. Open the Start Menu or the Start Screen.
  2. Type "File Explorer" and then press Enter. The File Explorer will open.
  3. Click the View tab on File Explorer’s ribbon.
  4. In the Show/hide section, click Hidden items checkbox.
  5. File Explorer will immediately show hidden files and will remember this setting until you change it.
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