When working with files in Windows, quite often situations may arise in which you need to access hidden files. Files that are not displayed by default to a computer user are considered hidden. This function is implemented in order to prevent inexperienced users from interfering with the operation of files important to the system. However, many people still want to learn how to open hidden files in Windows.
What you need to know about hidden files
In fact, the concept of a “hidden file” means only that the “Hidden” attribute is assigned to such a file in the file system. The system administrator can independently assign this attribute to user files. To do this, you just need to find the file or folder you are interested in in Explorer, select it with the left mouse button, then right-click to open the context menu and select the "Properties" section. You will see the properties window of the file or directory, in which you can put or remove the check mark next to the item "Hidden". But if you want to know how to open hidden files in the Windows system directory, then be careful, because making changes to such files can lead to system inoperability.
Solution for Windows XP
Press the "Start" key on the keyboard to open the menu of the same name. In the right column of items you will see the "Control Panel" button. You must click on it, after which a window will open, similar to the standard Windows Explorer. In the upper part of the window, find the menu item "Tools". When you mouse over it, you will see the sub-item "Folder Options" - open it. At the next stage, we will need to go to the "View" tab, where there are a large number of settings for files and directories of the system. If you scroll the slider on the right side of the window to the very bottom, the necessary line will appear - "Show hidden files and folders" and the alternative to it - "Do not show." Choose the option that you need at the moment, and click the OK button - this will save the selected settings. Done!
How to open hidden files is no longer a secret. Now in the explorer you will be shown both ordinary and hidden objects of the file system. You can distinguish the latter due to the fact that they will appear a little dull compared to regular files. So the system will let you know that this directory or file is hidden.
Showing hidden files in Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10
To do this, we need to make only a couple of changes to the algorithm of actions described above. Namely:
- In Windows Vista, after opening the "Control Panel" in the left column, click on the link "Classic View". This will display many icons, including the “Folder Options” shortcut we need. Once you open it, follow the steps similar to what you need to perform in Windows XP.
- In Windows 7, go to the "Control Panel" in a convenient way. In the upper right corner you will find a function for choosing a viewing mode - you need to select "Small Icons". The “Folder Options” icon we need is displayed - click on it. The following steps are similar to those described previously for Windows XP. This means that the way to open hidden files on Windows Seven is only slightly different from previous versions of the OS.
- In Windows 8, as well as 10, everything is much simpler. Open Explorer in any folder. In the ribbon at the top of the window, select the "View" tab, after which it will be possible to go to the "Show or Hide" menu.
It should be noted that all these methods work for the Explorer program as a whole. That is, if you wanted to know how to open hidden files on a USB flash drive, then just follow one of the above instructions for your version of the OS, and all hidden files will be displayed. There are no risks when working with hidden files that are in directories for personal use, but modifying hidden objects from system directories is not recommended.