how do i view hidden files in windows 10,How Do I View Hidden Files in Windows 10?

How Do I View Hidden Files in Windows 10?

Windows 10 is a powerful operating system that offers a wide range of features and customization options. One of the lesser-known features is the ability to view hidden files. Hidden files are files that are not visible by default in the File Explorer. They can be system files, temporary files, or files that you have intentionally hidden. In this guide, I will walk you through several methods to view hidden files in Windows 10.

Using File Explorer Options

One of the simplest ways to view hidden files is by changing the File Explorer options. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or by pressing the Windows key + E.
2. In the top-right corner, click on the “View” tab.
3. Look for the “Hidden items” option and click on it.
4. Select “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” from the dropdown menu.
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

After following these steps, hidden files should now be visible in your File Explorer.

Using Command Prompt

Another method to view hidden files is by using Command Prompt. This method is more advanced and requires you to enter a specific command:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

dir /a:h /s

This command will list all hidden files and folders in the current directory and its subdirectories.

Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a more powerful command-line shell and scripting language that can be used to view hidden files. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
2. In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

Get-ChildItem -Path "C:pathtodirectory" -Recurse -Force | Where-Object { $_.Attributes -match "Hidden" }

Replace “C:pathtodirectory” with the path to the directory where you want to view hidden files. This command will list all hidden files and folders in the specified directory and its subdirectories.

Using Third-Party Software

There are several third-party software applications available that can help you view hidden files in Windows 10. Some popular options include:

• WinDirStat: A disk usage analyzer that can help you view hidden files and folders.
• CCleaner: A system optimization and privacy tool that includes a feature to view and delete hidden files.
• Everything: A fast and lightweight file search utility that can help you find hidden files quickly.

These applications offer additional features and can be useful if you frequently need to view or manage hidden files.

Conclusion

Viewing hidden files in Windows 10 can be done using various methods, including changing File Explorer options, using Command Prompt, using PowerShell, or using third-party software. Each method has its own advantages and can be chosen based on your specific needs and preferences.