Windows hides many files and folders by default, preventing users from deleting or modifying files they shouldn't touch. Simply you can brand Windows testify these hidden files by changing a single setting.

RELATED: How to Hide Files and Folders on Every Operating System

Information technology'south easy  to make any file hidden, too. Just correct-click it, select "Properties", and toggle the "Subconscious" attribute on or off. On the ribbon on Windows 8 and x, click the "Hibernate selected items" button to chop-chop brand files and folders hidden or visible.

Evidence Hidden Files on Windows viii and 10

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

Click the "View" tab on File Explorer'southward ribbon and click the "Hidden items" checkbox in the Evidence/hide section. File Explorer will immediately show subconscious files and will remember this setting until you change it.

Show Hidden Files on Windows 7

This selection is a little more than hidden on Windows 7, where it's buried in the Folder Options window.

Click the "Organize" button on Windows Explorer's toolbar and select "Folder and search options" to open it.

Click 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.

This options window is also accessible on Windows 8 and 10—just click the "Options" push on the View toolbar in File Explorer. But it's quicker to hands toggle subconscious items on or off using the ribbon.

This window is also accessible via the Command Panel on any version of Windows. Caput to Control Console > Advent and Personalization > Folder Options. On Windows 8 and ten, it's named "File Explorer Options" instead.

View Protected Operating System Files on Windows seven, eight, and ten

RELATED: Brand a Super Hidden Folder in Windows Without whatsoever Extra Software

Windows has two different types of hidden files: Normal hidden items, and protected operating system files. When you lot show hidden files and folders, Windows will go along to hide protected operating arrangement files. These are hidden files with the "system" attribute.

These files are "protected" for a reason. They're important system files and deleting or modifying them could damage your operating organisation, potentially fifty-fifty making Windows unbootable. But, if yous know what you're doing and you need to view these protected operating arrangement files, there'due south a setting you can alter. Nosotros don't recommend doing this unless you know you demand to access one of these files or folders for some reason.

First, open up the Binder Options window. On Windows viii and 10, click the "Options" button on the View toolbar. On Windows 7, click Organize > Folder and search options.

Click the "View" tab. Uncheck the "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" box.

Windows will warn you that deleting or editing protected operating organisation files could break your operating system. If you know what you're doing, click "Yes" to continue.

Click "OK" to save your settings. Windows will bear witness y'all protected operating system files every bit well every bit normal hidden files.

Return to the Folder Options window and re-enable the "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" checkbox if you lot always want to hide these files again.