how to see hidden files in windows 10,How to See Hidden Files in Windows 10

How to See Hidden Files in Windows 10

Windows 10, with its sleek interface and advanced features, can sometimes hide certain files from the user. This is particularly useful for system files and folders that should not be tampered with. However, there are instances when you might want to view these hidden files for various reasons. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to make hidden files visible in Windows 10.

Using File Explorer

One of the simplest ways to view hidden files is by adjusting the settings in File Explorer.

1. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing 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 and folders should now be visible in File Explorer.

Using Command Prompt

Another method to view hidden files is by using Command Prompt. This method is particularly useful if you prefer using the command line.

1. Press 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

This command will list all files and folders, including hidden ones. To make hidden files visible, you can use the following command:

  dir /a:h

Remember to close Command Prompt after you are done.

Using PowerShell

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

1. Press 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: -Recurse -Force

This command will list all files and folders, including hidden ones, in the C: drive. You can replace “C:” with any other drive or directory you want to search.

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 analysis tool that can help you view hidden files and folders.
• Everything: A search utility that can quickly locate files and folders, including hidden ones.
• CCleaner: A system optimization tool that includes a feature to show hidden files.

These applications can be downloaded from their respective websites and installed on your Windows 10 computer.

Conclusion

Viewing hidden files in Windows 10 can be done using various methods, including File Explorer, Command Prompt, PowerShell, and third-party software. Choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences. Remember to be cautious when modifying hidden files, as they can affect the stability and performance of your system.