“I need to access some system files for troubleshooting, but I can’t see them in File Explorer. How do I make Windows 11 show all the hidden files and folders on my computer?” This common question reflects a frequent challenge faced by users who need to access configuration files, system folders, or recover accidentally hidden personal files in their Windows 11 environment.
Find hidden files Windows 11 problem and solution overview
Windows 11 automatically hides certain system files and folders to prevent accidental deletion or modification that could compromise system stability. However, IT professionals, power users, and troubleshooters often need access to these hidden elements for legitimate purposes such as system maintenance, malware removal, or file recovery operations.
We will show you today multiple ways to view hidden files in Windows, including File Explorer options, Command Prompt, and Registry edits. You’ll will then learn how to unhide folders in Windows 10 compatibility mode and apply both temporary and permanent settings. To follow along, you’ll need admin access on Windows 11 and basic familiarity with File Explorer.
Expert Tip: Always create a system restore point before modifying system visibility settings, especially when using Registry Editor or Command Prompt methods.
Windows 10 view hidden files step-by-step implementation
- Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E or clicking the folder icon in your taskbar to access the primary file management interface in Windows 11.
- Navigate to the View tab in the File Explorer ribbon menu, which contains all visibility and display options for files and folders in your current directory.
- Locate the Show/hide section in the ribbon toolbar and check the “Hidden items” checkbox to immediately display all hidden files and folders in the current view.
- Alternatively, access the classic folder options by clicking the Options button in the View tab, then selecting “Change folder and search options” from the dropdown menu.
- In the Folder Options dialog box, navigate to the View tab where you’ll find comprehensive visibility settings for all file types and system elements.
- Scroll down to find “Hidden files and folders” in the Advanced settings list and select the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” radio button option.
- Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” if you need to view system-critical files, though this requires administrator confirmation for security purposes.
- Click Apply and then OK to save your changes and immediately implement the new visibility settings across all File Explorer windows and future sessions.
- For Command Prompt method, open Command Prompt as administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Windows Terminal (Admin)” from the context menu.
- Navigate to your desired directory using the cd command, then type dir /a to display all files including hidden, system, and read-only files in the current location.
cmd# Display all files including hidden ones
dir /a
# Show only hidden files
dir /a:h
# Display hidden directories only
dir /a:hd
- To unhide all files Windows 10 style using Command Prompt, use the attrib command with the -h parameter to remove hidden attributes from specific files or folders.
cmd# Remove hidden attribute from a specific file
attrib -h "filename.txt"
# Remove hidden attribute from all files in current directory
attrib -h *.*
# Remove hidden attribute recursively from all subdirectories
attrib -h *.* /s /d
Important Tip: The /s parameter applies changes to subdirectories, while /d includes directories themselves in the attribute modification process.
How to display hidden folders troubleshooting
- Hidden items checkbox appears grayed out or doesn’t respond when clicked, indicating potential Group Policy restrictions or administrative limitations preventing visibility changes in your current user account.
- System files remain invisible even after enabling hidden items visibility, which typically occurs because “Hide protected operating system files” remains checked in advanced folder options settings.
- Changes don’t persist after restarting Windows 11, suggesting Registry corruption or Group Policy override that resets File Explorer visibility settings to default organizational or security configurations.
- Command Prompt attrib commands return “Access denied” errors when attempting to unhide folder in Windows 10 compatibility mode, requiring elevated administrator privileges or ownership changes for protected system directories.