An illustration of a revealed, previously-hidden folder in Windows 11.

Windows 11 handles hidden files and folders almost identically to versions of Windows that came before it: with special file flags. Showing these hidden files in File Explorer is easy. Here's how.

First, launch File Explorer by opening Starting time and searching for "File Explorer," or past clicking the File Explorer icon in your taskbar if it's pinned there.

When File Explorer opens, click the ellipses (3 dots) button in the toolbar near the pinnacle of the window. In the carte that appears, select "Options."

In the Windows 11 File Explorer, click the ellipses (three dots) button and select "Options."

In the "Binder Options" window that opens, click the "View" tab.

In Folder Options, click the "View" tab.

In the "Advanced Settings" listing, locate the "Hidden Files and Folders" selection. Using the radio buttons, select "Show hidden files, folders, and drives." Then click "OK" at the bottom of the window.

Select "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" and click "OK."

Hidden files and folders volition instantly become visible in File Explorer and on your desktop. When you see them, their icons will have a slightly translucent or faded appearance.

When made visible, hidden folders will have a translucent or faded appearance in Windows 11.

If you lot want to hide them again later, use "Options" in File Explorer to open Folder Options again, click "View," select "Don't evidence hidden files, folders, or drives," and click "OK."

RELATED: How to Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows 7, 8, or ten

How to Show Protected Operating System Files in Windows 11

In Windows, there'south another blazon of subconscious file: a system file, which is hidden and protected past default to go on your operating system working properly. If yous'd like to see this type of hidden file, open up File Explorer, click the "three dots" push button in the toolbar, then select "Options."

In the Folder Options window, click the "View" tab, then scroll down in the "Advanced Settings" listing and uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)."

Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)."

As soon as you click the check box, a new dialog window will open up that warns yous about the dangers of revealing protected operating system files.

Warning: Yous are about to reveal sensitive operating system files. If you motion or delete hidden system files, it could intermission your Windows 11 installation or potentially cause data loss. And then go along with farthermost caution.

If yous know what you're doing and are willing to accept the risks, click "Yes."

When warned about revealing protected operating system files, click "Yes."

Then shut the Folder Options window past pressing "OK." As with the hidden files revealed in the section in a higher place, protected operating system files will appear translucent on your desktop and in File Explorer.

When you're done with your task, it's commonly a skilful idea to hide your protected operating system files again. To do that, open Folder Options as shown in a higher place, click the "View" tab, so identify a checkmark abreast "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" and click "OK." Good luck!

RELATED: What Is A Windows System File?

The above article may contain chapter links, which assistance support How-To Geek.