Show hidden files in Windows 11

This post will focus on how to show hidden files in Windows 11. Windows 11 has a brand-new File Explorer with many new design pieces. It is now a much more modern, clean, and elegant application that works well for traditional and touch-based computers. On the downside, users need to learn where to find new elements and commands. You can learn how to change folders options in Windows 11 in our dedicated guide, while this guide will explain several methods of showing hidden files.

Note: All the methods below work for your current user only. You cannot make Windows 10 display hidden items in Explorer for other profiles.

How to show hidden files in Windows 11

1. Open File Explorer and click the Layout and View Options button to the left of the three-dots button on the toolbar. See the screenshot below screenshot for reference.
2. In a drop-down menu, click Show > Hidden items. That command shows hidden files and folders in Windows 11.
3. File Explorer now displays hidden items.

Alternatively, you can use the Folder Options dialog to show or hide hidden item.

Using the Folder Options window

1. Open File Explorer, then click the three-dots button on the toolbar.
2. In a drop-down menu, select Options. Tip: You can also open the Folder Options window using the classic Control Panel or other available methods.
3. In the Folder Options window, click the View tab.
4. Find the Hidden Files and Folders section, then place a check mark next to the Show hidden files, folders, and drives checkbox.
5. Click OK.

Using Registry Editor

As it is with almost any setting in Windows 11, you can make the OS display hidden folders and files using a simple registry tweak.

1. Press Win + R and enter the regedit command. There are many more ways to open Registry Editor, so you can use whatever you prefer.
2. Go to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced key. You can copy and paste the path into the address bar.
3. In the right part of the window, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit).
4. Rename the new value to Hidden.
5. Double click Hidden and change its value to 1. That shows hidden files and folders in Windows 11.

Show protected system files in Windows 11

It is worth mentioning that Windows has two types of "hidden files": one is regular objects, such as a text file, image, video, and another is system files Windows hides to prevent unintentional harm. When you show hidden files in Windows 11 using one of the methods above, Windows keeps system files inaccessible or hidden. You can override that setting.

To show hidden system files in Windows 11, do the following.

1. Open File Explorer, then press the three-dots button and select Options.
2. Go to the View
3. Find Hide protected operating system files and place a check mark next to it.
4. Press OK. Windows will show a message warning you about the potential risks of harming your computer. Press Yes.

Show system files using Registry Editor

1. Open Registry Editor and go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
2. In the right part of the window, right-click and select New > DWORD (32-bit).
3. Rename the new value to ShowSuperHidden.
4. Double click ShowSuperHidden and change its value to 1. That is how you show hidden system files in Windows 11 using Registry Editor.

That is it. Now you know how to show hidden files in Windows 11.

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