What Are the Hidden Files on Windows 11
Hidden files in Windows 11 are system files or folders marked with special properties that make them invisible to users by default. These files are often an integral part of the operating system and contain critical data, configuration, and settings that control various aspects of system behavior.
Why Is Showing File Extensions Important
Some users choose to hide the files to lower the risk of accidental deletion and gain ease of navigation. However, showing the hidden files on Windows 11 is important for the following reasons:
- Troubleshoot system issues
- Avoiding mistakes
- Better file management
- Enhanced security
How to Show Hidden Files on Windows 11?
This part offers 4 ways for you to view hidden folders and files in Windows 11.
Way 1: Via the View Tab in File Explorer
How to show hidden files on Windows 11? First, you can do that via the View tab in File Explorer.
1. Press the Windows + E keys together to open File Explorer.
2. Go to View > Show and check the Hidden items option.
Way 2: Via Folder Options
How to view hidden folders and files in Windows 11? The second method for you is via Folder Options. You can find Folder Options in Control Panel and File Explorer and we will provide the steps respectively.
#1: Control Panel
1. Type Control Panel in the Search box and change the View by: to Small icons.
2. Choose File Explorer options.
3. Go to the View tab and check the Show hidden files, folders and drives option. Click OK.
#2. File Explorer
1. Press the Windows + E keys together to open File Explorer.
2. Click the See more icon and choose Options to open the Folder Options window.
3. Go to the View tab and check the Show hidden files, folders and drives option. Click OK.
Way 3: Via Settings
How to show hidden files on Windows 11? You can also use Settings to finish that.
1. Press the Windows + I keys together to open Settings.
2. Go to System > For developers. Under the File Explorer part, turn on the Show hidden and system files option.
Way 4: Via Registry Editor
You can also use Registry Editor to show hidden files on Windows 11.
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box, and type regedit to open Registry Editor.
2. Go to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
3. Find Hidden in the right panel and double-click it to change its value to 1. Click Apply and OK.
Hidden Files Not Showing up on Windows 11
Sometimes, you may find the hidden files are not showing up on Windows 11. Below are the causes and corresponding solutions:
- Lack of user account permissions – run as administrator.
- Incorrect File Explorer settings – you need to refresh or restart File Explorer.
- Your disk has corrupted system files – run SFC.
- Your computer may be infected by viruses or malware – run Windows Defender.
![[SOLVED] Show Hidden Files Button Not Working on Windows 10 - Fix](https://images.minitool.com/minitool.com/images/uploads/2018/11/win10-show-hidden-files-not-working-thumbnail.jpg)
Final Words
How to show hidden files on Windows 11? This post introduces 4 ways for you. You can try any of them to show hidden files and folders in Windows 11. To provide better protection for your folders, you can try the Windows backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up them to the external hard drive regularly.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Having been an editor at MiniTool since graduating college as an English major, Daisy specializes in writing about data backups, disk cloning, and file syncing as well as general computer knowledge and issues. In her free time, Daisy enjoys running and going with friends to the amusement park.