Share this article

Improve this guide

How to Show Hidden Files on Windows 10: 5 Quick and Tested Ways

Certain files on your PC are hidden by default

5 min. read

Updated onApril 9, 2024

updated onApril 9, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Some files are marked hidden automatically, to prevent being modified by changing, deleting, or even moving them from their location. The easiest way to see hidden files in Windows 10 is to open File Explorer, and go toView > Options > Change folder and search options. Here, go to theViewtab and checkShow hidden files, folders, and drivesand hit OK.

How can I show hidden files on Windows 10?

1. Use Windows Settings to show hidden files

2. Use Command Prompt to show hidden files on Windows 10

3. Show hidden files by accessing PowerShell

4. Use a file search tool to open hidden files on Windows 10

A safe way to open hidden files in Windows 10 is by using a search tool. With this type of tool, you need not make any changes to your Windows settings, but this doesn’t mean you’ll be able to see the hidden files in the usual File Explorer view.

Glarysoft Quick Search is a free file search utility, which quickly indexes your files thanks to its features. This software has an extremely intuitive and easy-to-use interface. So, if you’re a beginner, it won’t give you headaches.

It displays search results on a small screen and you can pressCTRLto show or hide the search bar or open Quick Search to filter your options to show shortcuts, folders, documents, pictures, and other media files.

Glarysoft Quick Search

5. Show hidden files using Control Panel

1. Hit theWindowskey to open the search box.

TypeControl, then click on the result forControl Panel.
Navigate toAppearance and Personalization.

4. Click onFile Explorer Options.

5. Select theViewtab in the File Explorer options window, then navigate to theHidden files and folderscategory.

You will now see two options:Don’t show hidden files, folders, or drivesorShow hidden files, folders, and drives.

7. If you select not to show the file, it will hide the files, folders and drives with hidden attributes.

8. In the case you choose to show them, it will allow you to see and open the hidden files.

9. ClickOKafter you make your selection.

10. Test your hidden files to see if they’re still hidden. If you don’t see theProgramDatafolder, then the hidden files/folders are still hidden from view.

It is possible to configure your operating system to show or hide hidden files in easy steps anyone can get done, through Control Panel.

Among the common hidden files and folders are included ProgramData or pagefile.sys, and in older versions, you can find boot.ini, io.sys, or msdos.sys as hidden files.

Why are my files hidden on Windows 10?

If it’s still not clear to you why Windows would hide certain files, make sure you read what we’re about to say. The first and most important reason for this is to reduce the probability of accidentally deleting or modifying folders.

Plus, your OS also wants to prevent casual snoopers from getting into your files, which are probably private and crucial for you and your network.

Another reason you should consider is reducing visual clutter in the file directories. Thus, it helps you locate content in an easy and convenient way.

In case you’ve already upgraded your OS to the new and improved design, make sure you checkhow to view Hidden Folders and Files in Windows 11.

Are there other ways you use to open hidden files in Windows 10? Share with us in the comments section below.

How to Show Hidden Files on Windows 10: 5 Quick and Tested Ways#

How can I show hidden files on Windows 10?#

1. Use Windows Settings to show hidden files#

2. Use Command Prompt to show hidden files on Windows 10#

3. Show hidden files by accessing PowerShell#

4. Use a file search tool to open hidden files on Windows 10#

Glarysoft Quick Search#

5. Show hidden files using Control Panel#

Why are my files hidden on Windows 10?#