Windows How To See Hidden Files Jun 2026

Windows 11 simplified the process by placing the toggle directly in the File Explorer's top menu.

You’d think a simple question like “Windows, how to see hidden files” would have a short, boring answer. And for most people, it does.

Now that you can see the files Windows wanted to hide, you might notice files named desktop.ini , thumbs.db , or folders like AppData . windows how to see hidden files

To hide files and folders again, simply reverse the steps above:

Did this help you find what you were looking for? Let us know in the comments below! Windows 11 simplified the process by placing the

The file contained only a set of coordinates and a timestamp: 44.9778° N, 93.2650° W — 3:17 AM, the night I left.

If you want to view hidden files only in a specific folder, you can use the following methods: Now that you can see the files Windows

But not for Leo.

Windows often hides certain files and folders by default to prevent accidental deletion of critical system data or to keep your workspace uncluttered. However, there are many situations—like troubleshooting software issues in the AppData folder or recovering data from a USB drive—where you need to see them.

“The places Windows hopes you never look,” Leo said softly.