How to Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows 11

If you want to know how to view hidden folders in Windows 11, you have come to the right place. The Microsoft Windows operating system, by default, tends to hide the most important system files and folders to prevent you from accidentally deleting them. Now, however, you need to access some of these paths because you need to make changes. Not knowing how to do it, you searched for a solution on the web, thus ending up on our site. In this article, we will explain how to show hidden folders in Windows 11. We will tell you what you need to do to show system folders that are invisible by default. Let’s get started right away.

Steps to show hidden files and folders in Windows 11

When you are wondering how to view hidden folders in Windows 11, it is really simple to fix.

Step 1: Firstly, open Windows Explorer. You should see its shortcut on the taskbar, it is represented by a yellow folder. If not, use Windows Search to open it.

Step 2: In Windows Explorer, head over to the second menu from the right, and click on the “Layout and view options” menu

Step 3: Now choose the Show submenu and then check the Hidden items option.

That’s it! hidden files and folders will be visible in File Explorer.

Alternatively, you can see hidden Windows 11 folders using the Folder Options settings. To do this Open File Explorer and click on the See more menu. Now select the Options item and then click the View tab. Under the “Advanced settings,” tab, you will see the Hidden files and folders group where you have to check the Show hidden files, folders, and drives option. Click the OK button to save changes.

You will be able to view hidden Windows 11 folders. All elements that were invisible will be shown to you with a lighter icon than the others (this is normal). This is to remind you that these are important files, folders and drives, to be managed and edited with criteria. As soon as you have done the necessary configurations, we suggest you hide the folders and files again, in order to protect them. For more information, you can read this Microsoft support page.