- To show hidden files on Windows 11, open File Explorer, click “View,” choose “Show,” and check “Hidden items.”
- Alternatively, open File Explorer’s Folder Options page and check the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option from the “View” tab.
On Windows 11, you have a new version of File Explorer that moves away from the ribbon menu in favor of a more minimalistic menu with basic commands. As a result, some settings are now more difficult to find, such as the option to show hidden files (and folders).
The “View” tab is no longer available in File Explorer, but you can still show hidden files and folders within the new menu using the legacy “Folder Options” or the “View” menu.
In this guide, I’ll show you the steps to show hidden files, folders, and drives in the File Explorer app for Windows 11.
Show hidden files on File Explorer from View
To show hidden files in File Explorer on Windows 11, use these steps:
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Open File Explorer on Windows 11.
Quick tip: You can open Explorer from the Start menu, taskbar button, or the “Windows key + E” keyboard shortcut. -
Click the “View” menu from the toolbar.
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Select the Show submenu and click on the Hidden items option.
Once you complete the steps, hidden files and folders will be visible in File Explorer.
Show hidden files on File Explorer from Folder Options
To view hidden files using the Folder Options settings, use these steps:
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Open File Explorer.
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Click the See more (three-dotted) menu and select the Options item.
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Click the View tab.
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Check the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option in the “Hidden files and folders” group under the “Advanced settings” section.
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Click the Apply button.
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Click the OK button.
After you complete the steps, files, and folders with the hidden attribute will be visible to anyone using File Explorer on Windows 11.
Update February 16, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].