Microsoft's Windows operating system is known for its attitude towards users. The developers of this OS did not trust them, and therefore all important files were hidden from the prying eyes of users. On the one hand, this is correct, but on the other, it annoys users. Sometimes you just need to find a specific file, but it is not. How to open hidden folders? The answer to the question will be given in this material. But first, let's try to understand why Microsoft needed to hide some elements.
Why did developers need to make directories invisible?
Let's just say that Microsoft needed all this in the name of security for Windows itself. For it is the elements of the OS that contain many things that are necessary for the normal operation of Windows that are invisible to the eyes of users. The fact is that untrained users could unknowingly remove these things (in the name of saving hard disk space), and then the system would simply stop working. That is, all this is done solely in the interests of the user. But at least the fact that the developers have not removed the opportunity to see hidden elements is encouraging. And we’ll talk about how to open hidden folders.
By the way, Bill Gates came up with the idea of hiding folders when designing Windows 3.11. You might think that there was something to look at. In addition, only a sophisticated programmer could get to these folders at that time, despite the notorious graphical interface. In the 95th version of Windows, it was really necessary to hide folders. The operating system has become much friendlier to the user. This meant that he could get into where it should not. Therefore, the protected elements remained and took root in subsequent versions of Windows. Now let's talk about how to open hidden folders.
Using Windows Explorer
So, we need to see invisible content. First of all, launch Windows Explorer. Now click on the desired section (C, E or some other). And now the fun begins. We look for the inscription "Arrange" (somewhere above and to the left) and select "Folder Options." Go to the "View", and click "Advanced Options". We search for "Hidden files and folders", and put a mark on "Show hidden files, folders and drives." Here is the answer to the question of how to open access to hidden files and folders. Microsoft thoroughly hid content not intended for the eyes of "mere mortals."
The above instructions are relevant only for Windows 7. In the "top ten" everything is a little different. After opening the "Explorer", click "View", and select "Options". Then again go to the "View", and study the information provided. Uncheck the box next to "Hide protected system files" and put it on "Show hidden files, folders and drives." After completing all the manipulations, click "OK." This is the answer to the question of how to open hidden folders in Windows 10. Now let's look at another way.
Using Total Commander
This is a two-panel file manager, which is characterized by high speed. In addition, with its help it is very convenient to perform various operations with files. This is a powerful tool even with its own FTP client. But now is not about that. The beauty of this method is that the file manager doesn't care what version of your operating system you have. It is equally easy to demonstrate protected content on both operating systems. So, how to open hidden folders on drive C using Total Commander?
You need to run the program, and in the upper part of the window find the image of the yellow triangle. It is he who makes it possible to view hidden content. You just need to click on this button and everything will become available. Agree, very simple. But even if there is no such button (possibly different assemblies), then it is easier to make this operation than in Explorer. Select "Configuration", click on the "Settings" item. In the navigation window (on the left), select the column "Panel Content", and put a check mark next to "Show hidden files." And this is another answer to the question of how to open hidden folders.
The risks
The user must understand that when opening protected Windows elements, he exposes his OS to a certain risk. One awkward mouse movement, and the catalog necessary for work will be in the basket. And after a reboot, the system will simply refuse to work. If you have already opened access to protected elements, then special care must be taken.
Conclusion
So, now you know everything about how to share hidden folders. Sometimes it is necessary (even necessary). But it’s best to hide them again after doing what was required. So it will be more reliable. And Microsoft's Windows will work for a long time. You need to open protected directories if absolutely necessary. For example, you need to clean up the “tails” left from remote applications, or find a location for temporary data from Windows or some programs. In other cases, digging into such directories is not worth it. This is fraught with quite serious consequences, the worst of which will be completely out of order “Windows”. Be careful.