How to show and hide hidden files in Windows 11 step by step

In everyday life, file management in Windows 11 may seem intuitive, but questions often arise about how to view or hide hidden files and folders. If you've ever found yourself needing to access a folder that mysteriously doesn't appear in your lists, or you want to keep certain files away from prying eyes, knowing how to show or hide hidden files is essential to getting the most out of Microsoft's operating system.

In this article, you'll find a comprehensive guide to showing and hiding files and folders in Windows 11, utilizing all the official methods and some useful workarounds when complications arise. You'll see that it's not just useful for advanced users: even those new to Windows will be able to manage their privacy and organization in detail. We'll also go over all the reasons why you might want to use this feature and resolve the most common issues that can prevent you from seeing hidden files.

What are hidden files and why are they there?

Windows distinguishes between two main types of hidden items: hidden files/folders and protected operating system files. Typically, the system hides certain critical files to prevent accidental deletion or modification, which could affect the overall functioning of the operating system. Additionally, you can hide any file or folder yourself to keep it hidden from view and protect your privacy from other users who share the same computer.

Reasons to hide files or folders in Windows 11

The hide items feature in Windows 11 is more versatile than it seems at first glance. These are the most common situations in which it is especially useful:

• Protect personal or sensitive data: It's common to want to keep files like photos, bank documents, or work papers out of the reach of others. Hiding them is a simple first step to prevent others from easily locating them.
• To stock Temporary files or drafts: When you're working on documents that are still in progress or you don't want to share yet, hiding them helps keep them private until they're ready.
• Workspace organization: If you have many folders on your desktop or in shared areas, hiding the ones you don't use regularly makes navigation easier and allows you to focus on what's important, reducing visual clutter.
• Avoid accidental changes: Hiding critical files also reduces the risk of them being accidentally modified or deleted, especially if multiple people use the same PC.

How to show hidden files and folders in Windows 11

There are several ways to view hidden files and folders in Windows 11, both from File Explorer itself and through alternative methods if the system isn't responding as it should.

From File Explorer: classic and quick method

1. Open File Explorer. You can do this from the taskbar icon, the Start menu, or by pressing the keys Windows + E on your keyboard.
2. Click on the “View” menu located at the top of the window. Several display options will be displayed.
3. Select the “Show” option located towards the bottom of the menu.
4. Within “Show”, check “Hidden elements”. When you select it, the previously hidden files and folders will appear in all Explorer views. You'll recognize these items because their icons appear semi-transparent or faded.

This simple gesture is usually sufficient for most cases. If you have this option checked but still can't see some files, they're probably protected files on the system.

View protected operating system files

1. Open File Explorer and locate the three vertical dots (more options icon) in the top right bar.
2. Click and choose “Options”A window called “Folder Options” will open.
3. Go to the “View” tab at the top of the popup window.
4. Look for the “Advanced Settings” section y uncheck the box “Hide protected operating system files (recommended)”A warning will appear warning of potential risks; accept it if you are clear about what you are doing.
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK.” Now, in addition to the standard hidden files, essential Windows files and folders will also appear, also in a semi-transparent appearance.

Attention! Showing system files can put you at risk if you accidentally delete or modify something. Only do this if you need to access them for a specific reason.

How to hide files and folders in Windows 11

The process is just as simple and can be applied to both existing and new files and folders.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder or file you want to hide.
2. Right-click on the item and select “Properties.” A window with several tabs will open.
3. In the “General” tab, locate the “Attributes” section.
4. Check the “Hidden” box.
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK”. The file or folder will automatically become hidden as long as you have disabled the display of hidden items.

If after doing this you still see the file/folder, Make sure to hide the elements from the “View” tab by following the process explained above., unchecking “Hidden Items.” This way, only those who enable this option will be able to access them from Explorer.

Other methods to show hidden files if Explorer is not responding

Sometimes, your system may not display hidden files even after following these steps. This can occur due to antivirus conflicts, viruses, advanced configuration errors, or system restrictions. There are workarounds:

With command line (CMD)

If you are somewhat comfortable with the console, you can use the symbol of the system to reveal files:

• Opens DCM as administrator by typing “cmd” in Start, right-click and select “Run as administrator”.
• Write the command: attrib -h -s path\to\file\or\folder (replace “path\to\file\or\folder” with the actual location).
• This command removes the hidden (-h) and system (-s) attributes, showing the file even if Explorer fails.

Third Party Programs

There are times when neither Explorer nor CMD works easily (for example, due to an antivirus or virus blocking it). There are utilities such as EaseUS CleanGenius, which allows you to automatically reveal hidden elements. Simply install the tool, select the appropriate option, and follow the wizard.

These types of programs can locate and display hidden files or folders, even if they've disappeared due to viruses, disk problems, or blocked system settings. It's important, however, to use reliable software and always download it from the official website.

Learn more about how to view hidden files in Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions: Why aren't my hidden files showing up?

Sometimes, even if you follow all the steps, the files may still not appear. There are several possible causes, the most common being the following:

• Virus infection: Some viruses alter the attributes of folders or files, causing them to remain hidden. They also create shortcuts or crashes that are difficult to reverse without a cleanup. malware.
• Antivirus or security blocks: Windows Defender or other antivirus programs may prevent access to certain folders, especially if they detect suspicious behavior, preventing them from being displayed even if you activate the corresponding option.
• Specially protected system files: Windows 11, by default, hides certain directories or files that it considers essential to the system, and whose attributes may require administrator permissions or special intervention to display.
• Manually modified attributes: Some files may have specific permission or attribute settings that make them invisible to the standard user, even if the general options are enabled.

Hide Specific Drives in Windows 11