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

How Do I Show Hidden Files in Windows 10?

Windows 10 is a powerful and versatile operating system, but it often hides certain files and folders to prevent accidental modification or deletion. However, there are times when you might need to access these hidden files for various reasons. In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through multiple methods to show hidden files in Windows 10.

Using File Explorer

One of the simplest ways to show 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 show 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-d /s

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

4. When you’re done, press Ctrl + C to exit Command Prompt.

Using PowerShell

PowerShell is a more advanced command-line tool that can also be used to show hidden files.

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 | Where-Object { $_.Attributes -match "Hidden" } | Select-Object Name, FullName

This command will list all hidden files and folders in the C: drive and its subdirectories.

3. When you’re done, press Ctrl + C to exit PowerShell.

Using Registry Editor

Modifying the registry is a more advanced method and should be done with caution. Incorrect changes to the registry can cause system instability.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following key:

  HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced

3. On the right side, find the “Hidden” value and double-click on it.
4. In the “Value data” field, change the value from “0” to “2” and click “OK” to save the changes.
5. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Using Third-Party Software

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

Before using any third-party software, make sure to download it from a trusted source and read the